Very interesting.

If your mates are always giving out to you for being so stubborn, tell them to stop, because it could actually be the best thing for you. New research shows that if you're stubborn it could be better for your work-life, as well as your life in general. A study which was published in the journal International Psychogeriatics found that having the trait gives you a more positive mind and a better work ethic. The research first looked into the mental and physical health levels of Italians between the ages of 90 and 101. They assessed their mental and physical health by asking them a number of questions and putting them through some tests. They also asked their younger relatives about their personalities and lifestyles. The researchers, from the University of California San Diego and the University of Rome La Sapienza, ultimately found that being stubborn is good for you as you generally don't care about what other people think of you. "There have been a number of studies on very old adults, but they have mostly focused on genetics rather than their mental health or personalities," said Dilip V. Jeste, a neuroscientist. "The main themes that emerged from our study, and appear to be the unique features associated with better mental health of this rural population, were positivity, work ethic, stubbornness and a strong bond with family, religion and land." So, there you go. You can stop giving out to your stubborn friends now.