We’ve all got that one friend who refuses to budge. On ANYTHING. It’s annoying; you want to make a teeny edit to a loosely-made plan and they’re not having it. Cue: Whatsapp tumbleweed.

But while it can hard work for the friends and partners for the super stubborn, it seems obstinance may have one major upside for inveterate heel-diggers themselves — it makes them live longer.

Following a study of the physical and mental health of 29 people living in Italy between the ages of 90 and 101, researchers concluded the group shared similar stubborn tendencies. It’s thought that the psychological of not caring what people think leads to increased life expectancy.

Positivity also featured highly, meaning those with a sunny outlook are likely to live for longer. As did a passion for the outdoors.

‘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,’ said Dilip V Jeste, author of the study which was published in International Psychogeriatrics.

Ok, stubborn and sunny… and outdoorsy. We can do that. That’s decided then. Good plan. Don’t even think about trying to change it.