Men are Not Women in Disguise!
“So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them” Genesis 1:27.With Valentine’s Day around the corner, I thought I’d share with you a couple of stories from my book, WHY CAN’T HE BE MORE LIKE ME? They make me laugh and I hope they lighten your heart and remind you that:
Men are NOT created like women!
One evening I asked several women in my Bible study how many of them had married assuming all their needs would be met.Everyone laughed and chorused, “I did.”Before we walked down the aisle, not one of us in the group had understood a frequently overlooked reality: No man can possibly know or meet all our emotional needs. Why? Because he doesn’t think like a woman! Nevertheless, this is the impossibly high bar we often measure our spouse against. (Do you??)A common assumption among women is that our husbands should know how we feel without us having to say anything. Another assumption is that our spouse, simply by virtue of being married to us, should be able to decode our subtle messages.Existing on another wavelength, most men find it hard to pick up what isn’t clearly stated. (Ever experienced this?)Expecting our husbands to know our needs, and getting upset when they don’t, is like expecting a blind man to read before he learns Braille. He can’t do it. He is not a mind reader.
Here’s another story illustrating that a man is not a woman in disguise!
After a recent marriage seminar, I watched my husband and his friend John talking animatedly. Curious to know what they were discussing, I walked over to join them.Were they comparing notes on improving their marriages? Brain-storming ways to spend time with their spouse? No. They were talking about the merits of various airplanes. Which one could fly the furthest? How many passengers could another take? How were the cabins laid out? What seats should tall men like them choose—bulkhead or exit row?Laughing, I said, “I can’t believe that after all we’ve heard tonight, you two are standing here discussing planes. If you were women, you’d never be talking about such a boring topic!”Both men grinned.“Do you want us to be talking about our feelings?” John teased.“We’re men,” said Jim, my husband. “Planes are much more interesting.”It can be tough to understand the man (or men) in your life. Whether spouse, romantic friend, brother, father, or even son. When you wish they were more understanding, sensitive, sympathetic or in touch with your feelings, just remember:Men are NOT women in disguise! God didn’t make them our clones. This Valentines, be looking for the good in them and give grace for those times when they aren’t what you think they should be!PoppyPS: I’d love to hear your stories. Email me so I can enjoy your experiences!PPS: Want to read more fun stories and get practical advice learned in the trenches? Order your own copy of WHY CAN’T HE BE MORE LIFE ME?by February 7 and you’ll have it in time to check it out together on your Valentine’s date!
For more help, check out my book,
It has chapters on Communication, Conflict, and other helpful topics for difficult relationships.
I’d love to autograph your copy when you order HERE.
Photo credit: GraphicStock Photos