Imaginary Ailments.

Otago Witness, Issue 1994, 12 May 1892, Page 46

Imaginary Ailments.

Are you unfortunate enough to know a family whose favourite theme of conversation is the individual ailments of each member of the household ? Papa fancies himself a martyr to insomnia, and at the breakfast table talks gloomily of the insane asylum ; mamma has neuralgia or rheumatism, and describes vividly her ever-present sensation of being " bored with red-hot irons."

Bob, the eldest son, a stout young fellow of 20, eats his breakfast— a substantial one — with horrible grimaces and groans of pain, and announces that he is "in agony " with an aching tooth. Jane, the oldest daughter, who is chronically " delicate," lies in bed until 11, when breakfast is carried to her room.

Papa, in his office, forgets his approaching softening of the brain, works heartily and cheerfully, goes to his club, and is soon the centre of a joking, laughing crowd. Mamma has callers, and forgets her red-hot irons while listening to their pleasant gossip. Jane goes to a party in the evening, and is one of the most indefatigable dancers on the floor. If exercise were taken in the morning instead of at night her " delicacy " would soon disappear. In how many homes can we find these habitual complainers, who exaggerate every petty ailment or discomfort, and make domestic life completely miserable ! Even when one is really ill no benefit is derived from constant complaining ; on the contrary, one's power of endurance is lessened by this senseless habit, and the day of recovery retarded by a disposition to magnify ailments which would quickly disappear if bravely borne.