COUPLES QUIZ: SUPPORTING A PARTNER WITH CHRONIC ILLNESS

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Living with a chronic illness can be lifelong journey that affects not just the individual but also their loved ones. As a partner, your support can make a world of difference in managing the ups and downs of chronic illness. But have you ever wondered what kind of supporter you are?

See Related: What Kind of “Tired” Are You? Quiz

Welcome to our Couples Quiz: Understanding Your Role in Supporting a Partner with Chronic Illness. This quiz is designed to help you and your partner gain insights into your dynamic and discover ways to enhance your relationship. Are you a nurturing Caregiver, a proactive Motivator, a well-meaning but sometimes inconsistent Fickle Pickle, or an often-critical Exasperator?

By answering these questions, you’ll learn more about your strengths and areas for improvement in supporting your partner. This isn’t just about identifying a label – it’s about creating understanding, improving communication, and building a stronger, more empathetic partnership.

Couples Quiz: Understanding Your Role in Supporting a Partner with Chronic Illness

Answer the following questions honestly. Your responses will help determine if you are a Caregiver, Motivator, Fickle Pickle, or Exasperator. Each category has a different way of interacting and supporting a partner with a chronic illness.

1 / 10

1. When your partner expresses pain or discomfort, you usually:

A) Offer to take care of them and handle their responsibilities

B) Suggest they might be exaggerating and need to push through it

C) Encourage them to try new treatments or therapies

D) Acknowledge their pain but continue with your plans

2 / 10

2. If your partner misses medication, you:

A) Occasionally remind them, but leave it up to them

B) Scold them for being irresponsible

C) Encourage better medication management habits

D) Remind them gently and offer to help keep track

3 / 10

3. If your partner struggles with maintaining a healthy diet, you:

A) Criticize their eating habits

B) Occasionally suggest healthier options

C) Prepare healthy meals and snacks for them

D) Encourage and join them in eating healthy

4 / 10

4. What is your approach to your partner’s need for rest and relaxation?

A) Create a peaceful environment for them to rest

B) Complain about their resting and push them to do more

C) Encourage balanced rest with light activities

D) Allow them to rest but sometimes express frustration

5 / 10

5. How do you handle household chores when your partner is having a bad day?

A) Do the minimum required and leave the rest for later

B) Insist your partner should still do their share

C) Take over all the chores without being asked

D) Offer to help and encourage your partner to do what they can

6 / 10

6. When discussing your partner’s condition with others, you:

A) Downplay the severity of their condition

B) Share their progress and encourage understanding

C) Advocate for them and explain their needs clearly

D) Mention it briefly but avoid in-depth discussions

7 / 10

7. When your partner needs to talk about their condition, you:

A) Often dismiss or ignore their concerns

B) Listen but sometimes get distracted

C) Encourage open communication and constructive discussions

D) Always listen attentively and provide support

8 / 10

8. How do you approach physical activities with your partner?

A) Sometimes push them to do more than they can handle

B) Encourage regular, manageable exercise

C) Criticize them for not being more active

D) Help them find suitable activities and join them

9 / 10

9. When it comes to your partner’s medical appointments, you:

A) Rarely ask about their appointments

B) Attend every appointment and take detailed notes

C) Encourage them to keep up with their appointments and follow the doctor’s advice

D) Occasionally remind them but don’t get too involved

10 / 10

10. How do you react when your partner feels emotionally overwhelmed?

A) Encourage them to seek therapy or other emotional support

B) Tell them to toughen up

C) Acknowledge their feelings but don’t engage much

D) Provide emotional support and a listening ear

Your score is