Your cart is currently empty!
It’s Not Our Fault You Enjoy Caring for Us!
Parenting
A Dad’s Take on Man Colds: It’s Not Our Fault You Enjoy Caring for Us
Updated: January 17, 2023
Originally Published: January 16, 2023
Recently, I stirred the pot a bit on social media. I threw out a light-hearted joke (let’s be honest, that’s pretty much my jam on Facebook and in real life) about how my partner dotes on our daughter whenever she’s feeling under the weather. But when I fall ill, it’s a different story. Instead of showering me with affection, she turns into a drill sergeant—suddenly, I’m the needy one who needs to “man up.”
Some of the ladies who read my post weren’t thrilled with my perspective, but I stand firm: Women seem to thrive on caring for their sick children but have a harder time when it comes to their husbands. And they might not even realize they’re contributing to the issue.
I truly appreciate how my partner nurtures our daughter. Witnessing their bond makes me question if there’s any love left in the world. While we’re navigating the trials of toddlerhood—where our patience is often tested—there’s still a long way to go before we hit the teenage years, when we’ll see her as a real person rather than just a cute little version of us.
Even when she’s throwing a tantrum, if she sneezes or coughs, my partner’s maternal instincts kick in, and it’s all about snuggles and soup. I totally get it; my mom did the same for me, too! That nurturing nature is one of the best things about having a woman in your life. My partner’s love for our daughter reminds me so much of my mom, and I should probably stop before I dig myself a hole here.
Having grown up with such a caring mom, I can’t help but gravitate toward a partner with similar traits. But here’s the thing: If we’re treated like babies when we’re young, why would you expect us to suddenly stop wanting that care as adults?
Just because women are biologically wired (or so they say) to nurture doesn’t mean it’s our fault we enjoy being cared for! You set the standard as mothers and then expect us to go cold turkey as men? Not gonna happen.
And while I can’t explain why women don’t seem to turn into helpless messes when they’re sick (there’s this “Man Flu” theory out there), I suspect it’s because moms seem to love their sons a bit more. Just a thought!
Sure, we men could probably use a little less whining and a bit more “I can handle this,” but sometimes a guy just wants to be pampered with soup and cuddles.
This article was originally published on January 16, 2023.
If you’re interested in more insightful content, check out this other blog post that might catch your eye. For those curious about home insemination, Cryobaby offers some great resources on that topic. And for an excellent overview of the IVF process, you can read this article from Parents.
In summary, while it’s natural for women to want to care for their loved ones, it’s essential to recognize how this dynamic might affect relationships. Men, too, appreciate a little nurturing when they’re under the weather, and it’s okay to express that need without shame.