Man Colds

     There has been a furious debate going back and forth since the fall of man. An argument that has become a wedge between husband and wife more so than almost any other marital experience. A problem that tears millions of families apart every year. I am talking, of course, about the man of the house falling ill or, as some headstrong and prideful women put it, the "man cold'.

What is a "Man Cold"?

     Typically when a man is sick no one but the man and God know about it. The man conceals his ailment because he knows he does not have the luxury of a day off, well with the bills that need to be paid, automotive upkeep, fixing things around the house for his wife's benefit, and helping his wife with the children and household chores*. When he is sick enough to take a day off he is only doing so because he knows that if he takes another step he will surely die. Yes, much the same as a mighty work horse the man will not allow himself rest until he has literally been pushed to his death bed. Even then, in an act of complete selflessness, the man will rest only because he knows that if he dies his wife will be left without his steadfast love and financial support, and it kills him inside to be lying around instead of serving his wife in some capacity or another. The act of resting itself is an act of servitude for his wife.

Misconceptions:

     Most women do not realize the above truth because their husbands don't tell them, and they don't tell them because they don't want them to worry about them (again, totally selfless). The man will usually keep it vague, saying something like "It's no big deal I just need to lay down for a day or two" when he should probably be rushed to the hospital. This causes a problem, however, because then women do not take the man's sickness seriously, and proceed to mock him on Facebook or make fun of him while at the market. Women must understand that if a man is in bed as opposed to working diligently it's because it is physically impossible for him to move, not because he is a "cry baby". You also need to know that while in this state the man's mental process is greatly distorted, so he may say things he would never say under normal circumstances. Just remember that it's the sickness talking.

Solution:

     Information and understanding are the solutions to this problem. Men and women must have an open and honest dialogue about the man's illness. This dialogue must be free of the woman's judgements and pre-conceived notions about what may or may not be bothering her husband. Men, if you want your wife to understand the serious nature of your illness you must disclose it to her. I understand that it's hard as a man to do something that seems so selfish, but in reality you are putting your family first by telling her how much it really hurts. And finally, women should never make fun of their husbands, sons, brothers, fathers, male friends, or any other men in their lives when they are sick. Thank you for your time and understanding!

*Ironic isn't it that the wife was made as a helper to the husband, yet they are constantly asking for the man's help with everything.