Daily Wisdom 02-09-2002 We Both Wear Pants

The remainder of the story, you can most likely figure out. After a few hours of letting off steam, the marriage counselor soon enlightens Doris and Donald on the differences in the sexes, and how these unique characteristics dramatically affect, not only how we communicate, but how we understand or perceive ourselves and others. Once this couple better understands these differences, they will then have a better chance of working through issues in a more clear light.

While male and female may now both wear pants, that is about as far as our "sameness" goes. Sure, we women have come a long way in our fight for equality, but, there are some things that we just cannot change, try as we may.

Setting emotional differences aside, let's look for a moment at the physical differences in male and female.

The female body is composed of more fat than males. Not only does fat in all the right places give us a more curvy and feminine look, but the fat actually serves a purpose in the whole process of childbearing and nursing. The male body, on the other hand, tends to be more muscular and angular, and, unlike most females, men tend to have more hair on their body, even in places we, females, have no desire to grow follicles, such as on the back, chest, and ears! Regarding voice tones, men's voices tend to run deeper and richer than the higher pitch of the female.

While there are definite emotional differences between the sexes, one of these differences stems from the very simple fact females have a menstrual cycle and men don't. The altering of hormones during this period of time is known for leaving most women feeling weary, weepy, crabby and sleepy, not to mention bloated due to water-retention, a common ailment that often goes hand in hand with PMS.Emotionally, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that, on the whole, women tend to be more emotional than men. For starters, young males are taught that it's not masculine to cry, and if a spider crawls on their knee, it looks wimpy if they run out of the room screaming, "EEEEK!"

When a woman is upset and frustrated, in many cases she will hysterically cry, but when a man is upset, chances are he will either pound a wall, or become VERY silent, withdrawing to that emotional dark cave in his mind. And what is the first thing we, females, want to do when we see a problem? Let's talk it out and have a deep discussion! What women call trying to get him to open up and communicate, men call nagging!

With all these differences, it's amazing male and female can ever hook up! Alas, we do manage, but the differences are still with us, even for the closest of soul mates.

The reason it is imperative we understand the differences in the sexes is boiled down to one simple word: Communication. Whether we are communicating with spouse, next door neighbor, relative, or associate, we need to be aware that everything is not just as "we" see it. Given the same circumstances, Joe Schmoe or Jane Doe may perceive the scene in a whole new light, a light that you didn't even know existed!

When two human beings cannot effectually communicate, there is a certain emotional perplexity that comes from not knowing what 's going on in the mind of somebody else. It can be very strength-sapping as we try to guess if it was something we said or failed to do which caused the other person to become upset or distant, wondering what their next move will now be.The differences in the sexes were not created to cause turmoil, but to set us apart as unique individuals that must rely on the gifts of others. Neither sex is better than the other, but, together, both male and female serve their purpose here on earth.

The next time you get in to a tiff with loved one or associate, remember these differences, and perhaps then, you will be a little more understanding, sensitive, and patient. Learn to loosen up, laugh at, appreciate, and smile at our differences, and I guarantee your load will become a whole lot lighter!While men and women may sometimes have difficulty communicating, our heavenly Father assures us, that those who call on Him will be answered! "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened." -Matthew 7:7

If you're interested, there is more information about:
The most important event of all time and
The most important Book of all time.

Contributed by Melanie Schurr (Copyright (c)2003 Melanie Schurr) Melanie Schurr is author of "Ecstatic Living Ecstatic Loving: How to have more peace and joy in marriage, and life in general by walking in harmony with God," and "Son Salutations: A refreshing collection of modern inspirations for those who seek God each day." For more information, visit her web page at www.angelfire.com/mi/melschurr