Unless a person has experienced pain on a daily basis, they will not be understanding of the diversity and complexity of it. I beleive they will have good days of understanding at times, or be patient, and then not be understanding of its oddities of change on a daily basis. I've experienced more patient personality type family members will be more patient, while a naturally impatient family member will be impatient with it's changes and constant continuance.

I lost my live-in boyfriend of 5 years b/c of my chronic pain. He couldn't take the "new" me. We're still very good friends but I lost a lot of respect for him and thought he was selfish and shallow. But as time passes I realize that life is short and you have to live the way you want, how you want. I have an old friend in my life now who takes care of me and it's great. I miss what I had but you have to move on. You can't force someone to be there for you. You can tell them what you want/need but it's still their decision and life too.

I get it though. I don't like living with me either lol.

My husband has been amazing from the start which was 2007, I'm very lucky to have such a supportive family as well

I was not dealing with Chronic Pain when i got with my Boyfriend, But shortly after, I got injured, I tried to play it off so He did not know how bad i hurt, I continued to work with my back injury for a while. Then 5 years ago i got injured for a second time and that combined with the first one did me in. My boyfriend has and continues to be so very helpful.
He knows i do not ask for help, I have mobility issues and i fall very frequently. He has emotionally and financially supported me and continues to be my biggest supporter. My ex husband would spread nasty rumors about how i was lying about my injuries. But My Boyfriend said to not let a insignificant idiot effect me. I take what litttle pain meds i can get, and he always knows when the meds wear off and knows it is 4 hours before i can take anything else, and he is so great with me, I am thankful for him every day.

In my case as well, my wife Shelley is totally supportive even when my pain affects our most intimate of relationship. Maybe because she was born with her disability she is able to understand better what pain is, as she too has pain but works through it and so having that support and love actually strengthens our bond, not weakens it. I know we are the fortunate ones as not everyone is able to be that empathetic, the ability to put yourself in someone else shoes. So I am blessed in that way because as I get older I know the pain and mobility issues will likely worsen. But as we age together we support each other in this journey. And so we are among the fortunate and we count our blessings every day for that. Hugs and best wishes, Ron S.