On the Myth of Mars and Venus

I've managed to browse through a couple of the blogs just now and I think I've come to the realization that I have been thoroughly "indoctrinated" by facebook. I've become so used to grabbing and transmitting information in snippets of less than 140 words that if I see something quite a fair bit longer than that I immediately skim through or don't bother at all. It could also be a result of the fact that I, like most of you, have a ton of readings to go through and simply can't afford the time, so I'll keep this short.

I had a quick read on the above mentioned topic yesterday and I think it brought up some interesting and salient points. I admit that the moment I read the word "power" I went "Oh... a feminist", but what she says is interesting and to a large extent I think it is true. Confining ourselves to the essentialist views of "Men and Women simply JUST think a certain way" is not going to do us any good and does not do justice to the diversity and adaptability of human beings.

Let me give you an example, one that I have encountered myself many times.
Me: Are you ok with that?
She: Yup. Sure. No problem
Me: Are you sure?
She: Really. It's no problem. Go have fun.
Me: Now you're making me feel bad. What's wrong?
She: Nothing is wrong! What's the matter with you?

I want to add that the above example is simplified to illustrate a point. The point is that women are just as capable of "straight talk" as men are, and do not always conform to the stereotype of "saying one thing but actually meaning the opposite". Men who subscribe to the stereotypes perpetrated by various "experts" are in danger of carrying those stereotypes too far. In other words, you thought that by reading the books you would become an expert in dealing with women, but in the end those set rules and stereotypes that you've kept as part of your mental framework for dealing with women has set you up for even more conflict.

What I've said doesn't just apply to the women of course. I simply am writing it from a man's point of view. Personally I've experienced many times where I have been "the woman", saying something is fine when actually I wasn't too happy about it. Although my motives are usually more out of desire to avoid conflict than to engage in "double-talk".

Food for thought guys, whoever is reading this :P