Men and Women: Apples and Oranges

Men and women are very different beings. When I think about the communication differences in men and women it makes me question how we get along at all. Men like to be dominant and take charge of the situation so that it is under control. Men do things rather than talk about them and they tend to disguise their emotions on a regular basis. Women are emotional and very descriptive. They will be more likely to talk about something rather then do it and wear their emotions on their sleeve at times.

The vast differences between our two genders make an unusual challenge to coexist in a workplace. In an environment where competition is inevitable and stereotypes are looked to be broken men and women have had to communicate in different ways to seek the best of a situation. One little thing that I notice in everyday communication between men and women is the length of description that women use when compared mans “to the point” approach. Men are likely to tell a story or recall an event in as short a time as it takes to get all the main facts out. Women however seem to do the opposite and describe every little detail that they can and being expressive in their behavior. This is a minor communication difference between the two genders but it illustrates how much of a difference there is between us.

Some of the questions on the quiz we did in class had more decisive answers than others. The first, that men talk more than women is a falsity and goes back to me using actions to talk and women uses expression and words. Also the difference in proximity between the sexes is huge. Men use far more personal space then women and are more likely to touch when trying to establish connection or dominance, whereas women will be more eager to close the gap and engage in contact even when simply exchanging greetings.

The present time is a time of equality and fairness. I think that women and men are “equal but different”. By different there is the obvious physical differences but what is more different is the psychological aspects between the two. Women and men deserve equal opportunity in the workplace and laws but we have to be careful when trying to make everyone the same. Difference is good and can create progress if used effectively. Men and women are just built differently and are both stronger in different areas. These different areas come to the forefront in communication

In a conflict resolution situation women have the upper hand in the way they express themselves and are better more interactive listeners. Men however are more likely to be confrontational and get involved in a conflict then women. Most women are not confrontational by nature. I think of the differences between my parents and how I would talk to them for separate things because each one has their way of communicating. My father is a fast answer straight to the point kind of communicator who is a strong and firm in what he wants or believes. My mom is a retired speech pathologists and over communicates on occasion. She is always willing to talk and listen for as long as you want. She always wants to know why? And how you’re feeling, which is extremely nice to have when you really need it.

I also think about the everyday communication with my girlfriend and I honestly do not think it would work if both parties didn’t have some understanding of the gender differences we face in communication. We both leave in the morning and when we see each other at the end of the day we talk for a while and we know how effectively communicate with each other. For example she knows that I need a couple of minutes when I get home from work to cool off before I can effectively listen to anyone or anything. Whereas I know that once she starts describing her day I am in for the long hall and listen to the end. These little things that you must come to realize really do matter. Women need to be listened to effectively and men need there personal space and time. Differences are good and its gender differences in communication that keep us on our toes as effective communicators.