Here's a question for everyone: In conversations, is it easier for a woman to understand what a man is thinking than it is for a man to understand what a woman is thinking? Is the opposite true? Or is it up to an individual's ability to analyze and empathize with the other party, regardless of gender? Or is this not an issue at all?
What's probably true for all is that in conversations, we can have moments where we fall back on standbys: the "genderized" habits we've picked up along the way. BUT there are moments when we can consciously choose to alter our behavior to clarify the point.
How do people speak differently with one another in different contexts? People in classrooms are in the same boat, and mundane cross-gender conversations about exams, schedule, chapters to be read are relatively easy to have. Heterosexual people on dates, on the other hand...;P What do you "guys" think?
(... does having symmetrical gender dynamics on a date with a member of your own sex/gender make things less awkward?)
I think the main reason that men and women sometimes have a hard time understanding one another is that we separate ourselves in our own idealistic worlds where body language and verbal connotation is identified differently by gender.
ReplyDeleteWords mean different things to different people even if the word is the same. I feel it is more of the individual self and not gender that causes the awkardness, though gender does effect the individual. For example the awkward talk between a nerd and a jock.
ReplyDeleteHmmm. Well, in conversations, I think it is predominantly easier for a woman to understand what a man is thinking than it is for a man to understand what a woman is thinking. However, I strongly agree that it is up to the individual regardless of their gender. The only reason I think women are predominantly the understanding ones is that they are biologically designed as nurturers, which require them to pay closer attention and give way for understanding their baby (if they have one). I think the biological make-up of the sexes along with the environment plays a role on the genderized habits of the individual. What do you think?
ReplyDeleteThanks for replying. Everyone's got a different and true point!
ReplyDeleteHaha, I also think it really depends on the individuals involved in the conversation, so I thought it was really funny when a friend of mine answered: "Neither. Men don't get it, period, and women over-analyze." That's not happened to me! Yet...
On an individual level, I don't necessarily think genes control how well you communicate. That is, genes don't have anything to do with free will. People can always take extra steps to ensure they are coming through in the conversation. And gathering experience in professional environments, where tact and negotiation are key, can hone communication skills.
Instead, I lean towards social expectations as a reason why women may be the "understanding ones" on the macro, societal level. Guys aren't supposed to talk all the time; they are shown in popular media to be "doers", while women are encouraged to channel their frustrations/problems into words in order to reach solutions. Or just vent.
It seems that talking can be easy to do, just as long as you are aware of the barriers that may sometimes pop up, and take active steps to make yourself clear. Speaking shouldn't be a passive act made of old habits and idealism. It's not fun that way!
Soon you will see a video about all this.
ReplyDeleteWell when it comes to people i have known in my life women tend to adapt more to men than men to women. The women are usually the ones that try to understand the man. Men just get close minded and say "i dont get her" instead of trying. Im not saying all men but most of the ones i know.
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