To
understand a woman is nothing short of an art for a man, the great book, “Men Are from Mars,
Women Are from Venus”, http://www.amazon.com/Mars-Women-Venus-Communication-Relationships/dp/006016848X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1349806052&sr=8-1&keywords=men+are+from+mars+women+are+from+venus is an enormously popular book by author John Gray, that
contains many suggestions for improving relationships between men and women
through understanding the communication style and emotional needs of the
opposite sex. Lets be clear, “Fifty Shades of Grey” is fiction, “Men Are From
Mars, Woman Are From Venus”, is non-Fiction; As suggested by the
title, the book asserts the notion that men and women are as different as
beings from other planets, and that learning the code of conduct of the
opposite sex is of essential value even if individuals do not necessarily
conform to the stereotypical behavior. Let’s look deeper for a minute in the book, “Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus”, It is
important to remember that men and women have reciprocally different natures.
Men and women need to appreciate these differences, and cease expecting each
other to act and feel the way they do. Just for the record there will always be
a Mr. Fix-It and the Home Improvement Committee, Men love to have their
abilities recognized and appreciated, and hate to have them scorned or ignored;
women love to have their feelings recognized and appreciated, and hate to have
them scorned or ignored. Men don't rate feelings highly as in their view they
can result in hotly impassioned, wildly unstable behavior; women don't rate
abilities highly as in their view they can result in coldly dispassionate,
aggressively competitive behavior. You see most men are
like me, and men like me, like to work on their own, and exercise their
abilities by solving problems quickly and singlehandedly; women like to
co-operate, and exercise their feelings through interactive communication with
one another. Men value solutions, and view unsolicited assistance as
undermining their effort to solve problems alone; women value assistance, and
view unsolicited solutions as undermining their effort to proceed
interactively. Men desire that their solutions will be appreciated; women
desire that their assistance will be appreciated. Dating a woman who is going
through a divorce can be a complicated endeavor, particularly if there are
children involved or her soon-to-be ex-husband wants to make things difficult.
He may not be prepared to see his wife dating anyone else and give the both of
you a hard time. However, it may be an amicable separation and the divorce
proceedings may be a formality free of additional stress or pressure. And if
you truly care about this woman, keep in mind that her marriage, divorce and
family situation are simply part of what makes her who she is. There will be
Expectations a woman who is dating and going through a divorce at the same time
is dealing with two potentially complicated relationships, though one is ending
and one just beginning. Dating such a woman will require some patience as she sorts
out her feelings about the end of her marriage. She is very likely to have
moments of elation that an unhappy chapter has closed, as well as bouts of
sadness or regret. She may still even have some lingering feelings for her
ex-husband, which can complicate a new relationship. If you understand the many
issues she may be struggling with, you may find that as time goes along, things
in her life may simplify greatly and she will sort out her feelings about her
ex-husband. The Expert’s always have some bull
shit Insight, they say that if a divorcing woman has children, any new man will
have to be aware that the kids may be very confused about their mom seeing
someone else and not know exactly how to feel about you. Be willing to meet the
children on terms that are comfortable for their mother and for them, even if
that means waiting a while to finally meet them. Carleton Kendrick, a longtime
family therapist, recommends holding off on dating, especially if there are
young children involved. In a FamilyEducation.com article she writes,
"Seeing one's dad or mom actively dating during this trying time threatens
whatever stability they are trying to hold onto. My advice, for most of these
situations, is to refrain from exposing one's kids to seeing their parent in
this role." You can easily become “Friends with Benefits” a woman who has
been through a marriage that ends in divorce may be much more in touch with the
kind of guy she truly wants to be with now and more aware of the many pitfalls
that can derail a relationship.
There are great Considerations Depending on the stage of the divorce
proceedings, there's always a chance that the woman and her
almost-ex-husband could reconcile, leaving you in an awkward place. Or, she and
he may want to reconcile, but having you in the picture could complicate things
considerably, according to the article, "Dating While Going Through a
Divorce," on Professor'sHouse.com, Look for the Warning signs, as possibly the first new
relationship since the end of her marriage, you may find yourself as a rebound,
someone who was the right guy at the right time, but maybe not a long-term
partner. A divorcing woman may be quite reluctant to jump right into a serious
relationship, so be prepared to take things slowly and casually, or know going
in that this could very well be a short-term fling. On the other hand, she may
be quite eager to dive into a relationship, particularly if her marriage had
been a cold and unhappy one. Be prepared for anything and be sure to know what
you want out of the relationship, too. Men Will Go to Their Caves and Women Will Talk, When faced with tough problems,
men become non-communicative so they can work out how best to help themselves,
while women become communicative so that others can work out how best to help
them. Men like to demonstrate their abilities by being allowed to solve
problems without interference; women like to demonstrate their feelings by
being allowed to relate problems without interference. When men
do communicate, they like to get to the point, and generally only want to
listen if they feel the conversation has a point; women enjoy
talking for its own sake, and are happy to listen unconditionally. So, the
object here is to learn how to motivate the “Opposite Sex” in many cases this is
a job for superman. A man's instinct is to look after himself, even if it means
sacrificing others; a woman's instinct is to look after others, even if it
means sacrificing herself. In a relationship, a man has to learn how to care
for his partner rather than sacrificing her needs in favor of his own, and a
woman has to learn how to be cared for by her partner rather than sacrificing
her own needs in favor of his, so that the needs of both are met. If they do
this successfully, both win, unlike their instinctive behaviors where one
person gains from another’s loss. This has to be worked at, because if either
partner feels their efforts towards the relationship are not being successful
in pleasing their partner, they may feel hurt and decide to revert to their
instinctive behavior. Unfortunately this then causes the other partner to do
the same, and the relationship unravels inexorably. In a relationship, a man
needs to feel that his attentions are needed, and a woman needs to feel that
her needs are attended. To achieve this, a man has to express his desire to
fulfill her needs and her worthiness to receive his care, and a woman has to
express her desire for his care and his worthiness to fulfill her needs. Both
must remember to appreciate, accept, and forgive the other, and avoid blaming
them when they fail. Man must understand that women are Speaking Different
Languages Men talk in very literal terms for the purpose of relaying
information; women employ artistic license and dramatic vocabulary to fully
express and relate their feelings. Men like to sort their thoughts out before
communicating them, and have the tendency to become distant and
non-communicative as they ponder their concerns. At this time, a woman needs
reassurance that her partner still rates her as worthy of being taken care of.
Women like to sort their thoughts out in the process of communicating them, and
have the tendency to pour forth a litany of general grievances as they relate
their concerns. At this time, a man needs reassurance that his partner still
rates him as worthy of taking care of things. Both must try to avoid feeling
personally to blame when their partners are dealing with problems. When a man
is troubled, he does not want his partner to express concern for him, but loves
to be told that the problem is easily within his abilities to rectify because
of the implicit vote of confidence in his abilities. When a woman is troubled,
she loves her partner to express concern for her, but does not want to be told
that the problem is a simple one to solve because of the implicit dismissal of
her concerns about the issue. A solution should be sought once her feelings
have been fully listened to: too quick a solution justifies his abilities but
devalues her concerns; too enduring a problem justifies her concerns but
devalues his abilities. Men feel validated and gratified when they are left to sort
things out by themselves, and feel undermined by being offered sympathy or
unsolicited assistance. Women feel validated and gratified by being offered
sympathy or unsolicited assistance, and feel undermined when they are left to
sort things out by themselves. To accommodate their partners'
responses, each should make small changes to their behaviors and communication
towards the other, but without compromising their own true natures. Most “Men
are like “Rubber Bands” men periodically bolt for cover when they suddenly fear
that their self-sufficiency is becoming threatened. At these times they may
become utterly unapproachable, demanding the right to be left on their own and
to be allowed not to express their feelings, but if given support by being afforded
space for a little while, they will soon feel better and spring back into their
usual loving selves once again. It can be hard for women to handle the
suddenness and speed with which men bolt for cover, and then subsequently
spring back. At times when men retreat into themselves, they can assist their
partners not to be overly concerned or take it personally by providing some
brief reassurance that they will return in due course. Women should resist the
temptation to try to drag their partners back prematurely or criticize them
over this natural behavior.
Most Women Are Like Waves; women periodically sink into a depression when they feel
it is time for emotional cleansing and resolution.
At these times they may become utterly negative in their outlook, dwelling on every problem which troubles them, including long-standing ones which will generally have been raised and addressed before, and if they cannot find any real issues to concentrate on, then they will find some random other things to worry about. They suspend their normal giving natures, demanding the right to express their feelings and not to be left on their own, and if supported and allowed enough time to express and release their negative feelings, they will begin to feel happier again and return to their usual loving selves. The slowness in which they sink into depression and subsequently recover may be hard for men to handle. At times when women sink into themselves, they can assist their partners not to be overly concerned or take it personally by providing some brief reassurance that it is not their partners’ fault. Men should resist the temptation to try to lift their partners back up prematurely or criticize them over this natural behavior. Men demand the right to be free from time to time; women demand the right to be heard from time to time. When a man feels free he finds it easier to support a woman’s need to be heard; when a woman feels heard she finds it easier to support a man’s need to be free. If a man’s periodic need to be free coincides with a woman’s periodic need to be heard, the best solution is for the woman to make do with being heard by her friends instead. THE KEY TO SUCCESS IS TO Discover Our Different Emotional Needs, Men and women need to remember that the emotional needs of the opposite sex are not the same as their own. Providing our partners with the wrong type of emotional needs will not be greatly appreciated. Deep inside every man is a knight in shining amour seeking a damsel in distress who will love him, and shower him with trust, acceptance, appreciation, admiration, approval, and encouragement? Deep inside every woman is a damsel in distress seeking a knight in shining amour who will love her, and shower her with caring, understanding, respect, devotion, validation, and reassurance? Men must listen attentively to women to understand their needs, avoiding getting angry or defensive; women must have faith in men's abilities and best efforts to fulfill their needs, avoiding trying to change or control them. ONLY IF, WE COLULD LEARN how to Avoid Arguments? Communication between relationship partners should be loving and respectful; verbal attacks by contrast are highly destructive. It is often not so much what is said that causes the damage, but the tone of voice and body language which accompanies it. Arguments thrive on men failing to pay sufficient attention to women’s feelings, and women being critically disapproving of men. Either one may be the initial trigger, because a man’s inattentiveness can cause a woman to get upset and express disapproval, and a woman’s disapproval can cause a man to get defensive and stop listening to how she is feeling. When men make mistakes they become frustrated and angry, and are best left alone until they calm down. Men consider apologies to be admissions of guilt; women view apologies as expressions of compassion. This difference of perception is why men are generally much less willing to apologize than women. When engaged in an argument, men use strong and aggressive words to ensure that they win the argument, and women are frequently forced to back down in the face of a totally determined and implacable opponent. Men then feel that they have won the argument, but it is a hollow victory as their partners have not changed their views, but merely buried them in order to avoid an ever-escalating conflict. Sometimes people prefer to evade arguments instead of engaging in them. Men tend to do so by withdrawing inside themselves and refusing to talk; women often just pretend that the disagreement has been forgotten. The resultant peace is a cold one, because the issues continue festering unresolved. To stop communication degenerating into arguments, men should strive to listen without getting defensive, and women should try to express their feelings without criticizing their partners.
At these times they may become utterly negative in their outlook, dwelling on every problem which troubles them, including long-standing ones which will generally have been raised and addressed before, and if they cannot find any real issues to concentrate on, then they will find some random other things to worry about. They suspend their normal giving natures, demanding the right to express their feelings and not to be left on their own, and if supported and allowed enough time to express and release their negative feelings, they will begin to feel happier again and return to their usual loving selves. The slowness in which they sink into depression and subsequently recover may be hard for men to handle. At times when women sink into themselves, they can assist their partners not to be overly concerned or take it personally by providing some brief reassurance that it is not their partners’ fault. Men should resist the temptation to try to lift their partners back up prematurely or criticize them over this natural behavior. Men demand the right to be free from time to time; women demand the right to be heard from time to time. When a man feels free he finds it easier to support a woman’s need to be heard; when a woman feels heard she finds it easier to support a man’s need to be free. If a man’s periodic need to be free coincides with a woman’s periodic need to be heard, the best solution is for the woman to make do with being heard by her friends instead. THE KEY TO SUCCESS IS TO Discover Our Different Emotional Needs, Men and women need to remember that the emotional needs of the opposite sex are not the same as their own. Providing our partners with the wrong type of emotional needs will not be greatly appreciated. Deep inside every man is a knight in shining amour seeking a damsel in distress who will love him, and shower him with trust, acceptance, appreciation, admiration, approval, and encouragement? Deep inside every woman is a damsel in distress seeking a knight in shining amour who will love her, and shower her with caring, understanding, respect, devotion, validation, and reassurance? Men must listen attentively to women to understand their needs, avoiding getting angry or defensive; women must have faith in men's abilities and best efforts to fulfill their needs, avoiding trying to change or control them. ONLY IF, WE COLULD LEARN how to Avoid Arguments? Communication between relationship partners should be loving and respectful; verbal attacks by contrast are highly destructive. It is often not so much what is said that causes the damage, but the tone of voice and body language which accompanies it. Arguments thrive on men failing to pay sufficient attention to women’s feelings, and women being critically disapproving of men. Either one may be the initial trigger, because a man’s inattentiveness can cause a woman to get upset and express disapproval, and a woman’s disapproval can cause a man to get defensive and stop listening to how she is feeling. When men make mistakes they become frustrated and angry, and are best left alone until they calm down. Men consider apologies to be admissions of guilt; women view apologies as expressions of compassion. This difference of perception is why men are generally much less willing to apologize than women. When engaged in an argument, men use strong and aggressive words to ensure that they win the argument, and women are frequently forced to back down in the face of a totally determined and implacable opponent. Men then feel that they have won the argument, but it is a hollow victory as their partners have not changed their views, but merely buried them in order to avoid an ever-escalating conflict. Sometimes people prefer to evade arguments instead of engaging in them. Men tend to do so by withdrawing inside themselves and refusing to talk; women often just pretend that the disagreement has been forgotten. The resultant peace is a cold one, because the issues continue festering unresolved. To stop communication degenerating into arguments, men should strive to listen without getting defensive, and women should try to express their feelings without criticizing their partners.
There is a secret when it comes to Scoring Points with
the Opposite Sex,
Men feel loved if their efforts at giving are
appreciated; women feel loved according to what they receive. For women,
loving someone means knowing and attending to their needs without waiting to be
asked, and so a loved person should never have to ask for anything as their
needs ought to be anticipated ahead of time. So women give unconditionally,
and proactively seek ways to help others, whereas men only give when they feel
that their efforts will be fairly appreciated and rewarded, and often will not
know how or what to give without being specifically asked. Men often quickly
suspend giving when feeling pleased about having done something; women may only
suspend giving when feeling displeased with their partners for doing nothing.
Men value results; for women it’s the thought that counts. Consequently, men
value big things much more than do women, who feel more appreciated by
receiving lots of little gifts instead. A woman may consider a bunch of flowers
to be just as good a proof of love as an entire month of hard work towards
paying the bills. If men and women do not take account of these different
perspectives, they may fail to give their partners what they actually want.
When this occurs, the man will frequently suspend giving as he feels he is not
receiving enough reward back for what he has given, but the woman will continue
to give unconditionally even though she feels she is giving more and has
started to feel unloved, unappreciated and resentful. Men should try to
identify various little ways to give to their partners without waiting to be
asked first, and should avoid the mistake of assuming their partners to be
happy giving and not asking for anything back. Women should be careful not to
give a false impression to their partners of being happy when they are not, and
if they begin to feel resentful they should gently reduce their giving, learn
to ask for things back, and be sure to keep expressing lots of appreciation of
their partners’ efforts so as to encourage them to give more. Men should try to
listen lovingly and respectfully to women’s feelings, women should try to
express their feelings in a loving and respectful manner. If men give, and
women appreciate, both end up feeling happy.
The best in the business have figured out how to
communicate Difficult Feelings with out turning it into world war three. Unresolved negative feelings can cause us to act in ways we really don’t
want to, or become manifest in all kinds of compulsive or addictive behaviors.
Avoiding our negative feelings doesn’t make them go away, but compassionately
embracing them can heal them and enable us to start loving again. By acting as
loving parents to our own inner child, we finally allow our repressed feelings
to be fully expressed and released. To ease the pain and win love, men often
obsessively seek success, and women obsessively seek perfection. Men may use anger,
ego, or oblivion (such as burying themselves in their work) to avoid vulnerable
feelings of pain or fear; women may lapse into depression or confusion to avoid
having aggressive feelings of anger. Constructive communication is a learned
skill, and many of us must first unlearn the paradigm of negative communication
and repression of feelings which we experienced during childhood.
Communication works best if it presents the full picture, so that the root of
the problem is revealed rather than just the symptoms. Writing our feelings
down is excellent for expressing our negative emotions (anger, pain, fear, and
regret) in a controlled manner, rather than letting them explode at our
partners in the heat of the moment. Having done so, we can get back in touch
with our loving feelings, and are then in a much better state to explain to our
partners what we are feeling, and what they can do to help us feel better. It
is important to communicate such feelings in a loving atmosphere because we may
need to feel securely loved while communicating such intimate and revealing
feelings, and our partners may need the same if some of those feelings will be
painful to hear, or could be taken personally. At times it is worth discussing
them with friends or counselors first.
Pride is a big problem in many relationships, especially
when it comes to finding the courage to Ask for Support and Get It, Men love to do things which are appreciated, and hate to do things which
are demanded. Criticizing him or giving excessive instructions will make him
feel more like a slave than a loved and trusted partner. Men love to prove
their worth through the things they do, but they generally wait to be asked,
and take a long time to learn to offer their services unsolicited. Women should
therefore control their expectations of men being able to anticipate their
needs, ask for help without making it sound like a demand because they resent
the need to do so, and appreciate the help they receive even though it needed
to be requested first. Women should avoid requesting help from a man in a way
which either doesn’t sound like a clear request, or carries implicit criticism
that he should have already done it. Questions which begin with the words
‘Could you’ or ‘Can you’ are often interpreted by men as questioning their
abilities, and they therefore respond more positively to the same questions if
they begin instead with ‘Would you’ or‘ Will you’? The difference may seem
tiny, but it can feel as different as the man saying ‘No I can’t’ or ‘No I won’t’ in
response to the request. It is best to allow a man the freedom to do things in
a way and at a time that works for him. If a man is busy doing something and a
woman needs his help on something else, she should feel free to ask him for
help, but be prepared for him to request to defer it or even to refuse it; if
requests always require positive answers, they are really demands, and men will
sense the difference. If a man grumbles about a request then he is actually
considering it, and the best approach is to simply wait for him to come to a
decision without saying anything further, and aim to accept the outcome
graciously. Then once you are in the relationship, the goal is keeping the
blessing of Love, Alive In relationships,
unresolved negative feelings can pop up without warning, and we suddenly become
upset, or sensitive, or distant. When this happens to our partners we should
encourage them to work through it, accepting that it may take some time and
that they may need support from outside as well as from ourselves, and do our
best to control any impatience or resentments we may feel towards them during
these times. Love inevitably changes over time: the pristine bliss we feel when
we first fall in love doesn’t last forever, and over time our personal faults
and negative baggage inevitably become exposed. But if we stick tight through
the ups and downs of life and each other, then our initial bliss gradually
changes into a mature form of love which can become stronger and fuller with
every passing year, however the outcome is yet to be determined. I can tell you
that there is a good chance that I have met the love of my life, however only
time will tell, so if your reading this and you know me personally. I will ask
you, are you her? I sure do hope so ~
Donnie Bolena
