This was an interesting discussion with 84% of those who voted agreeing that women handle illness better than men. 7% believe men are better at dealing with illness and 7% were not committed and believe we will never know who suffers more. Thanks for all who commented. I realized through reading through your thoughts that much of the "dealing with" of illness has to do with the devision of labor in a relationship. My husband works diligently at his job even when ill -- sometimes I get mad at him for not taking time off. I, on the other hand, have the job of taking care of the home. I wish that I could say that I work diligently even when sick, but it isn't true. I whine and complain my way through it, believing it is justified since there is not hope of "a sick day." It's something to think about, but for now, I am just thankful my sinuses are drained and I feel well.
This is a blog about gratitude... for life on the farm, homeschooled munchkins, inter-cultural adventures, and God’s grace in every breath, completely undeserved. ~ By Alysun Peters
Monday, January 19, 2009
I'm sick...
Last week my hubby had a bad cold. Although he still worked, he came home suffering each evening. The symptoms were miserable, as I discovered this weekend. Even now I am wiping my poor raw nose for the 3,000th time. We were in Oly visiting my parents and Jeff was concerned that my cold would keep us from making the trip. I reassured him that I could have fun even with a head cold because I have endured much worse. I'll spare you the long list of things I've suffered through including 2 puky pregnancies, many horrible cases of tonsillitis, and a bursting ear drum (just to name a few). This led me to a declaration that I believe women handle illness/pain better than men. Not surprisingly, my husband didn't agree. What do you think?
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13 comments:
I tend to agree with you. My husband rarely gets sick but when he does he thinks the world is ending. On the other hand I get every other cold my children so lovingly share with me and survive with only the smallest of complaints I'm sure.
Besides, what man could handle pregnancy and birth and the monthly visitor we all so enjoy with as much grace and good humor as women have done for centuries. We're just tougher!
I don't think Jeff will believe the scientific accuracy of your poll, since I would think most of your readers are also women.
It is generally understood around here that I have the higher tolerance of pain. Mr. Wiedz goes right to bed and can't function pass the required work/school when he's sick. I figured my sick days were last week while I was fine and the kids were sick, this week they'll be better and I'll be sick but this is the week I will volunteer at school, go to practice and generally run around!
My man walks 10 miles a day through rain, snow, sleet, hail, blistering heat, floods, bears, mountain lions (OK, maybe not the last one). He can then come home and climb a ladder to string Christmas lights in the dark, but a case of the sniffles and it's allllll over.
I think Stacy is right that this is not a really accurate survey since 99% of my audience is female and therefore biased. I am sure my husband will not be swayed one bit by the results. Andee makes a good point saying that her man is tough, just doesn't do sick very well. I agree that my hubby is way stronger, more motivated, harder working, and more diligent than I am any day (any day that he is not sick).
I know I am probably an exception to this one...but I am the wimp around here. Craig has taken one sick day in almost 10 years of teaching, and that was only because I practically made him. When the kids or I get sick it is a much bigger deal. He'll be up barfing all night and then go play basketball in the morning. Totally insane. Sorry ladies. I guess Jeff will be happy with this one.
Your dad just said he thought most men would commit suicide rather than experience pregnancy/ childbirth, there's a vote in your favor from the male perspective:)
I think that generally-speaking women endure illness better than men, but not in all cases. For instance, my dad never complains when he is sick and just keeps going. My mom on the other hand (as well as me, I have to admit!) complain quite a bit, but do a fair job of keeping going. I think the difference between men and women is that women tend to have more responsibilities in the home that can't be ignored when they are sick (i.e. childcare, meal preparation, etc), whereas the men aren't as used to being in charge of those things so they just lay on the couch and forget about everyone else around them! And, on a similar thought, I've found that women tend to be much better "nurses" than men - I always prefer my mom to come over and take care of me when I'm really sick rather than my husband. =)
Your chicken soup is in the mail:-) Sorry if the bag is soggy, though.
I thought Andrew was tough because he's never had a sick day - ever! But then I realized - he's never sick either...I've seen his colds, they're the "sniffles" at best. Let me just say last week I had the virus in the muscles of my back...anyone who's had that knows how bad it is..I couldn't even sleep in my bed, and for a week the sofa is where I "slept"..and I went to work everyday, in horrible pain. Then, probably due to the lack of sleep, I got a cold and the next week I went to work EVERY day - so yes, women are TOUGHER! By the way...whiskey, whiskey, whiskey! I took a shot out of desperation last week...and for the first time in 2 weeks I slept! And must say, the cold actually did improve!!
My husband climbs 90 foot poles and handles electrity, but a sore throat will keep him in bed any day. I on the otherhand only stay home when I am too sick to even work from home. My dad on the other hand was the exact opposite. The only time I have ever seen him stop was for surgery, and even then he doesn't give himself enough time for recovery.
Really? You are questioning this? Oh, women are definitely better at handling illness. There is no other option!
My husband won't even acknowledge that he’s sick unless he can’t stand or can’t keep anything down----and even then he doesn’t complain. Makes me feel a little like a 1st class wimp. :-)
Like said above, my husband is a tough hard worker, but when he is sick he is completely out of commission, no help with the children, around the house, nothing. But he probably only gets sick once or twice a year. When I am sick, everything is supposed to run as usual, 0 sympathy. Oh, well, it's not like we can change them, that is why God didn't make them to carry/birth babies.
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