The Difference Between Men and Women

Have you ever thought about how men and women are different? Aside from the obvious, there is a difference between how each gender sees the world. Emotionally, mentally and psychologically, men and women do have differing perspectives on life. That's one of the primary reasons why misunderstandings, misinterpretations and mistakes are made that can sabotage your relationships.

Here's an example (Please keep in mind these are only generalizations):

Women tend to see the world through connections, relationships --as part of a community. That is why a woman's conversation may be focused on children, family, friendships, careers and the emotional charge behind them. Women depend more on interpersonal communication and like to share many facets of a story or situation. This is a means to creating a common bond of understanding between herself and others.

While this diversity may have developed from societal norms and expectations, there are also inherent biological and anthropological roots, as well. Male brains are "wired" differently, and this wiring enables a woman to express herself more easily than a man ... and to want to use more words to express how she's feeling.

So, what does this all mean? It means you can be more understanding, more compromising, and more tolerant knowing that some differences are innate and can't simply be changed. Demanding your partner to behave a certain way may be fruitless because it may not come as naturally to him as it does to you (ie: expressing feelings).

Be observant and notice the differences between the men and women in your life in terms of how they carry themselves, their eye contact, spatial parameters (how men and women use their space), listening skills, facial expressions, sense of humor, means of communication, etc. With this awareness, you may be more tolerant, patient and forgiving.

Each gender brings something important to a relationship. Deepen your understanding of these differences and your relationships will inevitably improve.

About the author: Amy Sherman, LMHC is the author of: Distress-Free Aging: A Boomer's Guide to Creating a Fulfilled and Purposeful Life, 99 Things Women Wish They Knew Before Dating After 40, 50 and Yes, 60!

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