The Gender Divide
Cell phone usage:
W: dial-out, mostly for receiving voice mail or text messaging
M: bilateral use and typically an appendage of the body
Returning e-mails and phone calls:
W: delay so as not to appear overeager, following The Rules
M: whenever they want, or when convenient
TV remote sleep timer:
W: don’t usually know how to use or even locate
M: standard operating procedure after ten p.m.
Movies about sports, violence, westerns, or slapstick comedy:
W: remotely interested, never repeat viewing, prefer a magazine
M: will watch over and over, in part or entirety, reciting key parts
Retail shopping:
W: for fun and bonding with friends, taking their time, browsing
M: out of necessity, typically alone, highly focused speed shopping
Dining out:
W: will never finish all the food on their plate
M: will clean their plate, then take aim at their date’s
Personal grooming:
W: haircut, color, style, manicures, pedicures
M: haircut only when absolutely required
31
Doctor visits:
W: on a regular basis
M: emergency basis only
Home cleaning services:
W: tidy up prior to house cleaner arriving to avoid sloppy appearance
M: won’t clean up for weeks prior, avoiding even routine maintenance
Pillow talk/bedroom manner/carnal activities:
W: foreplay, sex, talk, hopefully more sex
M: foreplay, sex, uninterrupted sleep
Dressing:
W: looks and style
M: warmth and comfort
Constructive feedback on a woman’s comment, “Does this dress make me look fat?”
W: thinks “yes,” but says, “it’s not flattering to your figure”
M: thinks “your ass makes you look fat,” but states, “it looks okay”
Time required to get ready for a night out:
W: one hour minimum
M: five to fifteen minutes
Driving:
W: defensively
M: offensively
Online dating:
W: love, companionship, long-term prospects
M: quick candidates, weekend date, short-term rewards
32
Exercise:
W: get in shape or remain fit, work to squeeze into one-size-smaller outfits, alternative social network
M: relieving competitive juices, bonding with the boys, staying in relative shape
Dancing:
W: dance to the rhythm of the song
M: move to the voices in their head
Decorating abode:
W: monthly, quarterly, or spontaneously
M: move-in and move-out dates
Changing the sheets:
W: weekly or after having guests
M: after someone points out that the top and bottom sheet stick together
Washing towels:
W: every other usage
M: every other month
Decorative pillows:
W: requisite for home décor
M: what are decorative pillows?
Shoe inventory:
W: one pair for each day of the year
M: one pair for each day of the week
Purchasing:
W: buy in bulk, thinking only of future requirements
M: buy as needed, thinking only of now
33
