Gettyimages.com/Pregnant African couple chopping vegetables
When I leave town for the weekend, and come home to find my boyfriend’s and my apartment in the condition he leaves it in—and his health in the condition he leaves it in—I get a sneak peek into what his life would be like without me. And, it’s not good. Let’s just say that it’s a miracle we met when he did because his body couldn’t have survived some of his old habits for long. Luckily, I’ve encouraged him to quit some of his bad habits (or at least reduce them), pick up some healthy habits, and be more aware of his health. Women are just better at looking out for their health. In fact, several studies and surveys have found that women are more likely to report symptoms to their doctors, and just see their general physician on a regular basis. I’m trying to pass these habits onto my partner, and if you’re doing the same, then you know the struggles of taking care of the health of a partner who won’t take care of himself.
Gettyimages.com/A young man with abdominal pain grimaces in discomfort. Isolated on a white background. http://s3.amazonaws.com/drbimages/m/regwhi.jpg
You learn terrible symptoms they ignore
My boyfriend once confided in me that, for about five years, when he had gone to the bathroom, he has mostly had the runs. MOSTLY. That makes up the majority of his bowel movements. And he just didn’t think this was a problem. Every so often I learn about another symptom that he’s just been ignoring for years.
