Hey Tribe—today we’re unsubscribing from one of the most backhanded “compliments” in the chronic illness playbook: “But you don’t look sick.” Because apparently, unless we’re limping into Target with an IV pole, mascara streaked down our cheeks, and a hospital gown flapping in the breeze, our pain doesn’t count. Spoiler alert: that mindset isn’t empathy—it’s dismissal dressed up in polite small talk.

In this episode, we’re tearing apart the idea that illness has a “look.” We’ll dive into how these comments actually function (hint: it’s not about us—it’s about other people’s discomfort), why society is so unskilled at holding space for invisible pain, and the sneaky ways we ourselves sometimes perform wellness to avoid the sting of disbelief.

We’ll unpack the greatest hits of dismissive phrases—“Are you sure you’re sick?” “Everyone gets tired,” “Have you tried yoga?”—and translate what those lines really mean. We’ll also bring some jaw-dropping stats: like the NIH finding that 60% of Americans don’t even know what an autoimmune disease is. Or the fact that over half of patients wait five years for a diagnosis, often brushed off as anxious, hormonal, or dramatic. No wonder Aunt Karen is confused at Thanksgiving.

This isn’t about asking permission to be believed anymore. It’s about rewriting the narrative together: sick, well, flared, thriving, mascara or no mascara. No more shrinking into invisibility, no more “I’m fine” to keep the peace. If you’ve ever been dismissed, doubted, or side-eyed, this one’s for you.

Because the truth is simple: we don’t have to look sick to be sick. We just have to be brave enough to be seen. ✨ XOXO, Marisa & Britt ***Also, please follow us on Insta @lupuschickofficial and @idliketounsibscribe and @goddoesntsuck - or learn more about us at www.Idliketounsubscribe.com