For a long time, I didn’t realize how very different men are from women. I knew there were some differences but I vastly underestimated them. Reading up on this subject as well as talking to the men in your life will reveal a lot of secrets. Understanding the differences between the two of you can help you have more harmony in your relationship. 💏
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1. Men Compartmentalize Areas of Their Life
Women can and do think about many things at one time. You can be thinking about a situation at work, what you’re wearing out on a date and the fight you had with your sister all at the same time. Men generally don’t do this. They tend to think about one thing at a time. They compartmentalize their thoughts rather than thinking in a jumbled manner like women do. Neither is better than the other, just different.
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Men tend to be more task-oriented than women, focusing on one thing at a time. This can be seen in their approach to problem-solving, where they often look for a single solution. Men also tend to process information more slowly than women, taking longer to make decisions. They are typically more analytical and logical in their thinking than women, who often take a more holistic approach. Men are also more likely to take risks than women, and tend to be more competitive. All of these traits can help men be more successful in their careers and relationships.
2. Men Often Speak through Actions
While there’re always exceptions, men usually aren’t flowery with their words. A man will tell his girlfriend or wife that he loves her but rather than expand on how much that is, he’ll show her through his actions. This’s because actions mean more to him than words. He would rather show you than tell you because he believes it means more. This’s important to remember in a relationship. 💕
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Men are often creatures of action—this aspect of their psychology can't be overstated. If he spends his weekend fixing your leaky faucet without you asking or cooks dinner after you've had a long day, he's speaking volumes with his deeds. These gestures are his way of saying he cares—a silent but potent declaration of affection. Remember, when he takes out the trash without prompting or gives you the last slice of pizza, it's his love letter to you in the most practical form. Take note of these actions, as they are the true measure of his feelings.
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3. Men Have a Different Time Frame than Women
Men work on different time frames than women do. They generally think longer about how they feel before speaking their mind. Women, on the other hand, often speak quickly about what they’re thinking and feeling. Men are generally more patient in situations like job searching and waiting to hear from a friend. There’re advantages to both the feminine and masculine approach to situations.
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This difference in pacing can sometimes lead to misunderstandings in communication. When a woman shares her feelings rapidly, a man might want to process this information before responding, which might appear as if he's not interested or doesn't care. However, it's just his way of taking the time to understand his emotions and come up with a thoughtful response. Patience and recognizing that these distinctive rhythms exist can greatly aid in harmonizing interactions. Ultimately, respect for each other's processing times can lead to deeper and more meaningful conversations.
4. Men Need Time to Process Their Thoughts and Feelings
You likely know exactly how you feel right away. While you still find it unpleasant to argue, you can see an argument through to the end. Your man may argue for a small amount of time and then leave the argument. He’s trying to get some space so he can process his thoughts and feelings. Understanding this can help you not to feel hurt when he exits the situation. Give him the time he needs to think and he’ll be ready to discuss the situation with you.
5. Men Have the Ability to Think about Nothing
Have you ever asked your man what he was thinking about only to be told nothing? When this happens, we usually think they just don’t want to tell us what they’re thinking. Nope. When he says he’s thinking about nothing that’s exactly what he means. Men truly have the ability to zone out and not think. Don’t you envy them for this ability?!
6. Men Think with Logic Instead of Emotion
For us, reasoning and emotion are interconnected. Sometimes it’s difficult to think clearly because we have such strong feelings. But men aren’t this way. They can push their feelings to the side to use logic. Of course they have feelings but theirs don’t scream to be expressed as loudly as ours do.
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The oft-repeated mantra that guys are hardwired for logical thought over emotional responses is part myth, part observation. Though society tends to champion the male ability to compartmentalize, that doesn't mean emotions are absent. Men do experience them; it's just that the expression can differ. In high-stakes or stressful scenarios, a more analytical approach can prevail. But don't be mistaken, just beneath that calm exterior could be a whirlwind of sentiment waiting for the right moment. It’s not that they are emotionless robots, rather they've been conditioned to display stoicism.
7. Respect is a Big Deal to Men
If you want to know how much your respect matters to your man, ask him. You may be surprised by how strongly he wants respect. No one wants to be disrespected or should be treated that way but it’s a huge deal to a guy. This took me years to realize. Reading up on the importance of respect to a man can be eye-opening.
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Men often see respect as a reflection of their self-worth and stature, and it's something that intersects significantly with love in their minds. They may equate respect with trust, support, and validation, which fundamentally defines their role in relationships. For a man, feeling respected might mean his opinions are valued, his efforts are appreciated, and his presence is acknowledged. It's not just about admiration; it's about feeling like an integral, competent partner. So, the next time you communicate with, commend, or even critique your man, remember the undeniable weight that respect—or the lack thereof—can carry in his heart and mind.
8. Take His Word for It
If a man says something, take it for what it is. Men are fairly straight forward so trying to read between the lines or decipher some hidden meaning is a waste of time and energy.
9. Details and Men Don't Mix
Men are fact-based individuals by nature. They aren't very detail oriented and only focus on what they need to. They're kind of like cats when it comes to their limited attention span; you'll have their focus only for so long before it's directed elsewhere. Hopefully he'll pick up the important parts in enough time so you don't have to get mad at him later.
These are 9 secrets about the way your man’s mind works. Did any of these secrets surprise you? Do you see any of these in your man?
Comments
Payton: u can think of nothing when u have ADHD trust me it causes nothing but headaches
Sophia: Great read and very accurate for "manly" men. I have dated some a bit too I touch with their feminine side and they were more like women - not my cup of tea.
jenifer: Definitely and Definitely!!!
Rose: I don't understand men at all still
Liz: Well duh....spend 5 minutes with a man (not a boy) and anyone could figure these things out
Tarsha: #4 helps me among the others to understand my bf
br1tt: What does it mean if I am a woman and my mind works the same as a man's mind?! Lol maybe I should be transgender now...
DT: CORRRRECT!!!
BrittanyBAKER: Thank you for this article. It explains a lot that's for sure!
OhMeOhMy10: Insightful!!!
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