Gender differences and similarities in human behavior

Men and Women

Men & Women

Relationships between Men and Women

Men and women are equal but different. By equal, both men and women have a right to equal opportunity and protection under the law. However, the fact that people in this country are assured these rights does not nullify the fact that men and women are at least as different psychologically as they are physically. These differences often hamper the development of close relationships between men and women.

Despite the importance of close relationships to people's well-being, constructing sustainable relationships is not easy. Most would agree that over time communication plays a key role in the health and stability of relationships. Couples tend to be happier and stay together when they can manage conflict, regulate patterns of demand and withdrawal, deal with openness and disclosure needs, and provide supportive communication (Weigel, Brown & O'Riordan, 2011).

Discussion

Relationships between men and women are not impossible or necessarily difficult. Problems simply arise when we expect or assume the opposite sex should think, feel or act the way we do. It is not that men and women live in completely different realities, but our lack of knowledge and mutual experience gives rise to our difficulties.

There is evidence to suggest that a great deal of the misunderstanding that exists within men and women has a physiological basis. It has been observed that is many cases, women have an enhanced physical alarm response to danger or threat. Their autonomic and sympathetic systems have a lower threshold of arousal and greater reactivity than men. In both men and women, higher levels of testosterone directly affect the aggressive response and behavior centers of the brain. Increasing estrogen and progesterone in men has a feminizing effect. Sexually aggressive males become less focused on sexual aggressive behavior and content when they are given female hormones (Conner, 2006).

Conversely, changing estrogen and progesterone levels in women during menstrual cycles can produce a flood of memories as well as strong emotions. Increasing or high levels of testosterone can produce an emotional insensitivity, empathic block and increased indifference to the distress others (Conner, 2006).

At the heart of understanding is the capacity to form, appreciate and maintain relationships that are rewarding. However, even here there are important differences. For men, what demonstrates a solid relationship is quite different from that of most women. Men feel closer and validated through shared activities such as sports, competition, being outdoors or sexual activities that are decidedly active and physical. While both men and women can appreciate and engage in these activities they often have preferential differences. Women feel closer and validated through communication, dialogue and intimate sharing of experience, emotional content and personal perspectives. Many men tend to find such sharing and involvement uncomfortable, or even overwhelming.