Friday, May 8, 2009

My cold is worse than yours!

I have been told that I am always positive and happy, even when I bounce like a bunny from task to task. However, there are some days when I have a cold and I feel run down and out of it. I try to do my best and stay positive, but sometimes I start to complain. 

Do you ever have this feeling? Do you feel like your stuck in a black hole when you have a cold or flu and your symptoms are horrible? I do. And now, it's official. According to a survey, women are bigger complainers than men when they have colds and flus. In a survey of 2,000 people, 85 percent of women admitted to exaggerating their symptoms to gain sympathy compared to just 76 percent of men.

Is this supposed to make me feel better? Should I be happy that there's scientific proof saying it's normal for me to complain if I am ill?

I ask you, how can this be? Do women really exaggerate their sicknesses more then men? Men might want to be taken care of when they get sick. But, all I'm looking for is a little sympathy from whoever will listen. =) Does this make me a complainer, or just an ill soul in need of a little tender loving care. The survey actually says that, "Women tend to talk more about their feelings generally, but men it seems, appear to vocalize more when they're sick - that's where the myth around 'man' flu originated.”

And now, because of this survey, I find out that when I get sick, I become all dramatic and tell everyone that the world is ending. Uh, well I must admit I do sometimes. Drama, drama, drama...

I was actually sitting on a plane recently, flying back from Los Angeles to San Francisco, when I read this survey. At the time, I was starting to feel sick and thought it was allergies.  Instead, it turned out to be the flu. Being sick during a flight is the worst. So, as I was falling ill on the flight, I came across the article in a magazine I had carried on-board.  It said, "So it's surprising that these results show women to be the biggest complainers when it comes to colds and flus."

Ah, yes. When I got off that plane to Honey, I tried to be a good soldier, suck up the pain, and break the 'women complainers' cycle. It was so hard!

I told myself that I wouldn’t whine.  I would rise above the symptoms and not complain through the sickness. I reminded myself that my Nana always told me, "A cold takes seven days to get over if you take medicine, and a week without!"

And she was right. No matter what I did, my cold had to run its course. I have some remedies that seem to make me calmer. Have you tried any of these? Do they work for you?

1) Chicken soup - An old faithful.  It always seems to clear up my sinuses and is good for my soul. Oy!

2) Wearing comfy clothes - At home, I need to wear my pajamas or my lululemon pants with my thick, white cheerleading socks.

3) Being fuss-free with my hair - If my hair is in a bun, it means I'm not trying.  If I'm not trying, it means I'm really not feeling well.

4) Drinking water - It truly is the secret to getting better quickly.  When I am sick, I try to drink a ton of water.

5) Airborne - I love this stuff. It doesn’t work for everyone, but it sure works for me.

And now, I find out that if I complain about how I’m feeling, I'll support the statistic. Does it count if I say dramatically “Can I get a mask do I don't catch the swine flu?”

Tell me what do you think about this surveys findings? Are women the biggest complainers for colds and flu? Go on, you can tell me. I won't think your complaining!

12 comments:

Dollface said...

Look through my labels for sick.. i put all my favorite remedies for when I am under the weather.... I hope you feel better!! and it sucks to be sick, xxooo

Children of the 90s said...

That survey is interesting, though I certainly know a lot of guys who play up any sign of illness as well.

Feel better!

Laura said...

Dollface: I am on my way to check out your fabulous remedies. I feel much, much better, but loved the surveys findings.

Laura said...

Children of the Nineties: Me too and the survey really made me think. I promise I feel right as rain :) Have a good weekend.

Unknown said...

I must admit Laura, yes I do complain a bit when I am sick (some people, ok Andy, avoid me like I have the plague and I have to fend for myself)....But, I still get my sorry ass out of bed and get the kids to school, cook dinner, etc, etc......Unfortuately nobody else will do it! Am I complaining now?! Xx

Draffin Bears said...

Hi Laura,

I hope that you are feeling better and your cold is soon over.

I enjoyed watching your video you made about San Francisco.
It is such a lovely City and I enjoyed my visit there.

Look after yourself.

Hugs
Carolyn

Draffin Bears said...

About the survey - I know a lot of Men that are struck down, when having a cold or flu.
I think it hits us all at some time.

Feel better.

Hugs
Carolyn

Elizabeth Marie said...

I think guys are way more complainey (I just made up a word)...but I am the biggest baby when I'm sick! I admit it! :)

Laura in Paris said...

Laura, I live in France, and complaining is a second nature here! Ha ha ha. And no, I do not think I complain much - but I gotta ask my husband and daughters to be sure!

MS said...

I am the biggest baby ever!!!!

Hope you feel better soon :)

Laura said...

Draffin Bears: So glad you enjoyed the video and yes we all need some tender loving care when we feel ill. I am feeling much better!

Elizabeth Marie: I love the word complainey. Can I use it? Thanx for your comment!

Laura said...

A World in a PAN: Complain away sweetie. We all deserve to once in awhile. Ah France I miss you so much....

Underfunded Heiress: It's fine to complain once in awhile. Go on you deserve the care :) Have a great weekend