Ok I realize this question is inherently sexist. I am willing to be wrong. Feel free to voice an opinion in opposition to my general interpretation.

I was talking to some ladies at work. The conversation came around to their significant others.

How they had to be the “man” in their relationship and life. Some of them mentioned having to be the disciplinarian to their children. Others how they were depended on to handle emergencies or inconveniences that popped up. How the division of daily duties mostly fell to them, or that in order to get the man to help out with household and financial responsibilities they had to coax, goad or praise them. But mostly pain tolerance levels.

When their SO was sick they had to nursemaid him. As opposed to when they were sick they had to mostly fend for themselves and if they had children esp had to continue most if not all of their responsibilities.

How their man would get a lower back pain and swear it was equal to child birth. Or how a papercut turned into an epic ordeal. Etc.

This immediately triggered in my memories that were similar. A twisted knee that amounted to the guy I was cohabiting with not working. Endless massages cold and hot packs and doing everything he didn’t ever like ding. While I had just hernaited three disks and tore a tendon in my shoulder and continued to work until I couldn’t and then a couple months physical therapy and I was back. Even though I hurt.

Or nursing another with trips to the grocery store. Cold cloths, cooking food and putting up with whining and grouchiness etc.

I can think of many more.

Beyond that I can recall reading articles related to men’s lower pain threshold.

So what do you think? Have you noticed this with yourself and others? If so why do think this occurs? If you disagree with my generalization, why? I recognize that as a generalization it is not always the rule. As well as it being a topic of articles doesn’t make it fact. So I will gladly hear stories that don’t mesh with this idea. But please add what makes for a better balance and distribution of labor and a better mutually useful division of support and tolerance in cohabitation.

Topics: ideas, team building, sexism, team, cooperation, generalities