5 tips for sticking on while being sicked on

When you make that vow on your wedding day " ... in sickness and in health ... " it's more likely than not that you do not know what you are getting yourself into with the "in sickness" part. If you think it means "I promise to hand you more clean tissues to blow your nose" like I used to then you have no idea. The two hardest parts about marriage when your partner is sick are being there for them while they have their head over the toilet bowel, and looking after them when they are moody, crabby, irritable, uncomfortable, and in pain. This can get old fast, easily resulting in unnecessary fights. So here are 5 tips on sticking on while being sicked on...

5. Allow them feel like they are still helpful; don't make them feel totally dependent on you
In the later recovery stages of being sick your partner will want to start doing things again to help out. This is because they feel like you have done too much for them already and want to start helping out again. Don't deny them this joy and satisfaction of being able to help. It will aid in their recovery mentally as they feel that sense of accomplishment. Obviously make sure it is within their limits while they are still unwell because the last you want is to delay their recovery by over-exertion.

4. Don't get frustrated when they refuse your help
This ties into the previous point where you allow them the satisfaction of being able to do some normal things again, but it is more so focused on while they are fully sick. When sick, your partner may try to deny how sick they are by refusing your help or assistance. Remember, this is not your normal partner and so is no time to get upset with them because they refuse your good and caring intentions.

3. Go with the flow and don't complain
Consistent is by no means something your partner will be while sick. They may go from wanting you to be with them and (insert level of physical intimacy you are comfortable with while your partner is sick, eg, holding hands) to being repulsed by your presence. Be where you are needed, do what you are asked, and roll with the punches.

2. Don't complain about them being sick and not being able to for-fill your "needs"
When your partner is sick, their "needs" and the idea of your "needs" don't even enter their mind. Do not make any form of comment complaining about how your "needs" are not being met. Instead (if this is an issue for you) in the more comfortable moments of their sickness, make positive, longing comments which convey your desires without putting any pressure on them. Bonus points if you can make them still feel attractive and sexy even in their "not so great" moments. If you are lucky, you may even get a surprise once they are feeling better.

An example of a good comment would be: "You know, even when you are sick you are still desirable to me. I look forward to when you are feeling better again."

1. Make sure they know you will stay with them and love them in sickness and in heath
The last thing your sick partner wants to do is to repulse you, even if it is only by sickness. So continue to act the same loving way you would towards them (minus the appropriate level of physical contact based on sickness). Do whatever you have to to continue showing that affection - if you can't kiss on the lips, kiss on the forehead; if you can't kiss on the forehead, kiss on the shoulder; if you can't kiss on the shoulder, kiss on the hand.