MetaChat is an informal place for MeFites to touch base and post, discuss and
chatter about topics that may not belong on MetaFilter. Questions? Check the FAQ. Please note: This is important.
As to the topic of this story, here's a case where you wonder: Where are the evolutionary psychologists with a just-so story explaining the biological advantages of this gender role expectation? Guess it's either not sexy enough or doesn't do anything to help justify lousy behavior.
The expectation is definitely lived up to very often - I have no trouble believing that this stereotype is frequently true. MetaChat males, do you minimize your physical symptoms of illness or delay treatment for them, and why?
Of course, there's the flip side of the stereotype, which is that men are helpless babyish wimps whenever they get a mild cold ("Man Cold") or stomachache. Damned if ya do...
Miko - I definitely minimize symptoms and delay treatment.
My gut reaction is that it's a male thing & something to do with not showing signs of weakness (because my subconscious tells me that women will not mate with men that appear to be weak), but in actuality my refusal to accept reality is probably a familial trait. Both my mother and grandmother have/had this same trait.
Ironically, it was probably her refusal to accept symptoms and the delaying of treatment which killed my mother, so I've go a big 20 Point Bold reminder in my life that "If you are unwell, go to the doctor." but I never do. My dodgy liver & bad back can wait.
I'm so very glad the mister isn't like that. He's been having dizzy spells and tightness in his chest. Turns out he has atrial fibrillation. It isn't anything to mess around with.
photo by splunge
photo by TheophileEscargot
photo by Kronos_to_Earth
photo by ethylene
