Living with a chronic illness that has no visual signs can be more of an emotional struggle than a physical struggle at times. Accepting one's own illness is a step that most people come to terms with it at some point; because, in order to have the best life one can, one needs to be educated on the disease and treat it to the best of his or her ability.

But we have no control over our loved ones when they choose not to accept our illness, or sometimes even acknowledge it. Their skepticism can last a lifetime and damage our self-worth and many relationships.

So, how do you cope with someone you love and care about won't acknowledge the significance of your disease or even your illness at all? Here are four steps:

1. Go with it. Don't take yourself and your predicament too seriously when you're around the person. Understand that there is no magical discussion you can have that will make him change his mind. The odds are, the only way he will change his mind is by simply observing you and noticing your invisible illness as it begins to show some visible side effects. Your limitations, such as walking a long-distance, may become obvious without you having to explain it.

2. Grow with it. Use this as a time to reflect on your own perceptions of people. When you are standing in line at the store and become irritated because "Surely no one here knows how hard it is just for me to stand!" think twice. Nearly 1 in 2 people in the USA have a chronic illness and about 96% of it is invisible, so the odds are that someone in line likely is experiencing the same chronic pain and fatigue. Also, what situations are your friends experiencing that you don't understand? A child with a disability, the affair of a spouse, the loss of a job-all are life-altering and the odds are that your friends could use your empathy and support during this time.

3. Get over it. Don't obsess over the fact that no one knows what your daily life is like. We would all like those closest to us to be able to slip inside are skin for just twenty-four hours, but that level of understanding will never occur. Don't allow your resentment of this fact taint your relationships. And don't take it personally, despite how personal it feels. It is not your job to change someone's mind. You only have control over your own behavior so make sure you can be proud of how you handle the conversations.

4. Get on with it. Life is precious and short and no material things in your life can replace friends and family. It is true that the intimacy level in your relationship will not ever be high if your illness is not at least believed to exist. But if you still want a relationship, and it's a healthy one in other ways, it can happen.

The odds are, at some point in your friend's life, a health issue will occur and suddenly he will have a glimpse into what your life is like. Allow him to feel comfortable coming to you for support and encouragement and don't use the opportunity to say, "I told you so."

Go with it. Grow with it. Get over it. Get on with it.

You can have relationships with those who don't understand the depth of your illness. Just accept the person for what he can give at the moment and have reasonable expectations for the relationship. In time, it may prove to be one of your most precious friendships.