What makes men and women different?

There are many factors that perpetuate the differences between men and women that incorporates gender roles, employment opportunities, education, socialisation, political representation, health and the most obvious, physicality. All of these themes differ in culture, region and time period.

Ultimately, when it comes down to communicating, men or boys are known to be closed and restrictive, while women and girls are receptive and unguarded. Both are socialised differently – boys are encouraged to be assertive and aggressive while girls more nurturing and cooperative. These practices may influence communication styles where men communicate vigorously and competitively while women communicate collaboratively and empathetically. Thus, in adulthood, being unable to communicate can be a death knell to a relationship – any relationship.

So, what examples are there of how this plays out: Men have a tendency to interrupt women more than other men, resulting in an aggrieved woman who may feel neglected and undervalued. In tonality, women tend to have higher and lower pitches that are normal for their tone, yet men may interpret this as a lack of confidence or assertiveness.

Women are experts at nonverbal communication and use facial expressions and body language to express their feelings and even though men are visual creatures, they tend to miss these cues, or if they do see them, misunderstand them.

Men are direct and to the point. Women are indirect and focused on rapport building and relationships. With this kind of imbalance, there tends to be confusion or mixed messages received by either gender.