Yael: Hey Don, could you help me carry that big, heavy object across the room?

Don: Sure . . . but I think I can handle it myself.

Y: It's really heavy, Don. Let me help you.

D: No need. Here, let me just get a good grip . . .

     [DON GRUNTING WITH EFFORT, THEN . . .]

D: Ow!

Y: What happened!?!

D: I think I strained my back . . .

Y: Well, at least your tough-guy attitude will probably help you heal quickly.

D: What do you mean?

Y: There's this study out of the University of Missouri that found that guys with a "man-      of-steel," "I-can-do-anything" attitude tend to heal faster than other guys.

D: Really? Why?

Y: Probably because macho guys tend to believe in working hard to overcome      obstacles and reaching their goals. Especially when it comes to something physical      like rehabbing an injury.

D: Okay, but wasn't it my tough-guy attitude that got me injured in the first place?

Y: Good point. Men of steel also tend to engage in the kinds of behavior that puts them      at risk for injury, like riding motorcycles and playing extreme sports. Plus, macho      men also tend to resist psychological counseling, so dealing with the emotional part of      rehabbing an injury can be harder. So I guess it's kind of a two way street.

D: Seems like it would be healthier to simply be a little less tough and not get injured so      much in the first place.

Y: Now that's using your brain, instead of your muscles.  

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