In Chapter Four, we examine how chronic illness complicates social relationships and experiences of loneliness and social support. We explore how illness disrupts established social bonds and creates challenges in forming and maintaining meaningful relationships. Our analysis reveals that people with chronic illness must navigate complex trade-offs between authenticity, social acceptance, dependency and reciprocity, often concealing aspects of their illness to preserve their connections with others. We show the considerable emotional work required to manage social relationships while navigating unpredictable symptoms as well as the support that people need to alleviate loneliness. Finally we show the importance of more than human connections with other animals in providing unconditional support and ameliorating loneliness.