-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

Dear Doctor Science, Chicago IL

-- Why do men whine so badly from a simple common cold? Is there actually a greater affect on them by the virus? If so, why is this? from Rose La Rue

Men are especially sensitive when it comes to pain. They don't feel pleasure as keenly as women, and whining has been an adaptive advantage in soliciting pity from women who feel vaguely guilty about having an easier time of it than men. The virus you're talking about is actually a protozoa, a sub amoebic-organizism whose only effect on an organism is to amplify feelings of self pity. So the next time you come across a whining man, pat him gently on the head and move on. And be sure to wash your hands as soon as possible.

-- -- -- -- -- -- -- Gold Star Question -- -- -- -- -- -- --

Are Frosted Flakes really that Grrreeeaaattt? -- Matt from Lancaster, PA

-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- Today -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

Today is Bathtub Party Day in Lebanon, PA Happy birthday to Little Richard and Strom Thurmond!

-- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- Subscription Info -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --

Subscription questions - send a blank message to faq@drscience.com. Visit the Ask Dr. Science web site at sponsored by those smart folks at eGroups For info about advertising with Dr. Science, send a blank message to advertise@drscience.com. All Dr. Science material Copyright 2000 Duck's Breath Mystery Theatre. All rights reserved.

Listen to Dr. Science on 91.7 KGLP-FM at 1:30pm in Gallup, NM

-- Anonymous, December 07, 2000

Answers

I believe it is the loss of control. Men will go out on a field and bash each other and be proud of the pain that is inflicted upon them during this activity. There is a reward for this pain, the possibility of winning, which is justification for enduring the pain.

But illness, that is a different story, it is not something they have chosen to experience, there is no "pride" in their pain, it it some little "bug" that dares to invade their body and bring them unrequested, unexpected, and unrewarding pain.

After all, it is women who are supposed to experience this sort of pain, wasn't it a man who sang "only women bleed"?

Isn't this sort of thing the explanation for why women act up and get bitchy? Isn't this the reason some women will break out of their expected behavior and demand things that historically reside in the domain of men.

If a woman becomes aggressive, forward and/or demanding they must be experiencing one of those "illnesses" men do are not burdened with.

For a man to become ill and experience unasked for pain is an abomination! It's not fair! It's not right! It's terrible! Where is MOM who always made it better????

How terrible to be demoted to the realm of what women are supposed to experience!!! Will it ever end? Where is the pride, where is the trophy, where is the justification for going through this?

Illness for men is not just that, an illness, it is an ego buster, it is a threat to manhood, it is an admission of weakness!!!

And that gentle reader, is the reason men become so hysterical when they are sick. They do not have control over it.

wink

-- Anonymous, December 07, 2000

The difference in response harkens to a time when male pain or illness could mean starvation for all. Genes die hard and a neolithic Darwin Award awaited the families of males who ignored pain at the risk of incapacitation.

-- Anonymous, December 07, 2000

I like being taken care of. Jane likes taking care of me. Compared to losing a testicle to cancer, my latest headcold is a walk in the part. Jane seems more than happy to fetch me gatorade and soup, especially since I completely lost my appetite while on the chemo.

-- Anonymous, December 07, 2000