Felt like I could have written this entire thing. You're definitely touching on a universal truth. I deal with it when I date, but, as you point out, I also get it around my chronic illness. Some friends inquire and listen very empathetically, I can tell they are asking about my health because they are genuinely concerned about me. Others have this *look* in their eyes when they ask about my health, like they're starving and angling for a meaty piece of gossip. It makes me feel like a train wreck they're just rubbernecking for entertainment.