Last night during the caregiver support chat, a young lady stroke survivor came into the room. Correct me if I misunderstood her ladies, but I believe she was looking for answers as to why her husband wasn't showing any emotions. There was only 2 of us male caregivers amongst all you nice ladies in there. I tried to help as I could. Per Debbie's suggestion and thinking about it all night I decieded to try and blog about the subject. Don't know that it will help or not but I will give it a try anyways.

I truly believe the big difference in caregiving attitude between men and women is the age old battle of the sexes. You ladies out there (correct me if I am wrong please) do most of the caregiving for sick and disabled loved ones. I believe that comes from a natural instinct you ladies have for mothering and nurturing the babies as they come along. Also you are raised that it is ok for a lady to express and vent your emotions. Thus I think this gives you a leg up on us poor old men trying our hand at caregiving.

One thing ladies, don't think you have market cornered with the caregiving. There are a few of us males out here doing the work too. We are just far and few between battling our stupid male egos to keep it hush hush. Now if I remember her name correctly, kelli part of your husbands lack of emotions is probably due to the same reason I have trouble showing kitty much emotion. I was raised that a man doesn't show his emotions. As her husband, and male in the house I feel I have to keep myself emotionally strong in order to help her. I am truely sorry for this stupid macho attitude most of us males have. You just have to try understanding for the most part it is how we are raised.

I hope I have been some help to you. I would also like to challenge any other male caregivers here on stoke net to add your 2 cents here. I know I am not the only male caregiver here. Oh yea you ladies can add your 2 cents worth too.