[The patient and good health]

This article examines the conditions that govern patients' relationships with healthy persons. After conducting in-depth interviews with five female patients--three of them seriously ill with cancer--the author identifies two types of healthy persons, the "interior" and the "exterior". In the presence of the "interior" type of healthy person, the patient typically feels understood, respected, comforted, encouraged and above all, supported. With the "exterior" type of healthy person, the roles are reversed. Patients feel compelled to hide their feelings. It takes all their energy just to put on a brave face for the healthy person. This article will stimulate students to start thinking about how it looks from the patient's point of view, and to think in terms of openness, respect and support. The author recommends that courses be offered at the high school level to teach students compassion and supportiveness.