There are serious faults with studies based on self-reported surveys, but I’ve been around enough men to know that a new study which found nearly 50 per cent of men exaggerate minor ailments like cold symptoms to gain sympathy, is probably true.

I’ve driven all over North America with kids, babies and poop, but the worst bunch of cry-babies was when I drove to the Institute of Food Technologists’ annual meeting in Atlanta in 1997 or somewhere thereabouts. The women in the van were fine, but the men were horrible crybabies who needed to stop more frequently than a breastfeeding baby. And you all know who you are.

The research led by Engage Mutual reveals that one in two men describe a common cold as flu and headaches as a migraine, and moan more than women. The study was carried out on 3,000 people.

The findings also revealed that women admit more than 57 percent of men become attention-seeking when ill, with 66 percent constantly moaning and groaning.

In contrast, men said that only 50 percent of women seek attention when they’re ill and 56 percent moan and groan.

As my favorite Stones song goes, take me down (high-school girlfriend) little Susie, while you’re talking to some rich-folks that you know. And is Mick Taylor not the best and most expressionless guitar player ever?