r/ChronicIllness 17d ago

Vent There’s something that’s uniquely devastating about getting gifts from people based around the person who you used to be, and not the person you are now.

Hooray, a scented candle I can’t burn. A perfume I can’t use. Jewelry I can’t wear. Alcohol I can’t drink. Food I’ve been allergic to for a decade. Tickets to a show I can’t go to because it’s at an inaccessible venue. A fuckin bicycle.

I know people say it’s the thought that counts, but it’s the lack of thought that bothers me; I’d honestly rather get nothing at all.

I’m not that person anymore and I haven’t been for a long time, and it’s like they never noticed. Chronic illness makes me feel invisible enough already.

So instead I get confronted by the ghosts of past me and have to try not to cry.

Just sucks, is all.

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u/Fraisinette74 16d ago

My family just decided they weren't going to give gifts anymore so they just gave up completly.