When a catastrophic illness or accident strikes a sick spouse or family, it is really the heart warming to see how couples support each other with patience, love, devotion and dedication. They are shining examples of living our vow "in sickness and in health."
Yet let a flu virus hit him for a loop or a bad cold to bring his knees, and all the love and patience of a sick spouse seems to fly out the window! Why?
I spoke with other couples dealing with minor illness of a spouse and I decided that few of us are prepared to deal with a sick spouse, but not so sick.
Suggestions and tips for dealing with your spouse not-so-sick
- Develop a "survival kit" with a lot of his / her favorite movies, magazines and e-reader or some books. Include the remote for the TV / DVR, provision of water and juice nearby, and "feeling better" note.
- If you have to "give up" her / him, make sure that there are many easily found in the kitchen juice contained a soup (can or package) with the pot, a bowl and a spoon sitting nearby. spouses patients may never find anything, even if it is where it always is. Make a land line or cell phone handy.
- When you are at home and available, resist the temptation to give your sick spouse bell. The sound of their voices shouting for you is much better in the long term that the continuous ringing of that damn bell. Besides, if they have a sore throat, they will not call you for the same.
- him / her Pampering with a meal in bed? Lay it out on a tray with a doily and a flower. Even a fake flower will do.
- Do not forget to plump up a pillow now and then.
- A cold washcloth put through a front can make you look like a guardian angel. Or buy a Chillow pillow. I love my Chillow!
- Tease a little by drawing a monster mouth open on a shopping bag ... cut the hole in the mouth and calls soiled fabrics to be thrown into the mouth of the bag.
- If he / she says. "Leave me alone" - and then do it - but secretly check your spouse
More tips
The key to dealing with a ill spouse is tolerance. Bob and I realized long ago that when we are sick, we are not the easiest people to be around. We do not want to be ignored, we will not be smothered with care mother. I learned by trial and error on the importance of giving your partner space, and not exaggerate the bit of pampering, but to show a real concern.
one way to show the concern is to keep the lines of communication open. There is a tendency to let this slide during a disease, but this is one of those moments where communication with another is super important.
While none of us like to think about having to deal with a serious illness, I believe small colds and flu bugs are a way to help us learn how to deal with more serious diseases may come our way. So think about the next round of the flu as a learning experience.