Understanding a Woman

While men and women deserve to be treated equally, the fact of the matter is that there are certain social differences between the two genders. This article will teach you about these basic differences and about how to better understand the particular woman in your life.

 

Part 1 Better Understanding the Women in Your Life

1. 
   Consider biological differences. Cis gender women and men have slight differences, including...

   • Studies suggest that women have a slightly sharper sense of smell and vision than men do.^[1] This is a possible explanation for why women are considered to be more "detail-oriented."
   • Women are more likely to recall memories that have emotional significance. Be careful what you say to her in the middle of a fight, because she may never forget it.
   • Women menstruate once a month for four days, on average. Menstrual cycles affect each woman differently, and can cause mood changes, hormone fluctuations, physical pain, lethargy, nausea, increased appetite, and heightened emotional sensitivity. While some women experience little to no pain at all, others become close to bed-ridden during this time of the month. Don't underestimate the physical strain of a menstrual cycle.
   • Women are more likely to lose interest in sex due to emotional factors than men are.^[2]These may include problems in the relationship, coping with loss or death, and so on.
2. 
   2
   Recognize the social pressures that women face. A woman experiences sexism, including pressure to be feminine, and roadblocks to success that men don't experience. However, men are subject to similar issues, where they are forced to conform to the height requirement needed to be satisfactory to the female. She may be stereotyped, under-appreciated, and pushed away from fields that are considered masculine.

   • Girls are socialized to be obedient, well-behaved, quiet, submissive, "good girls." While a woman might rebel against some of those pressures, they probably continue today, and rebelling too hard may have social consequences (e.g. being branded as a "disgusting feminist" or passed over for a promotion because she is too aggressive).
   • Women may experience additional pressure and hardship for being a person of color, LGBT+, disabled, heavy, lower income, and more.
3. 
   Accept that all women are different. In your life, you will know sporty women, geeky women, fun-loving women, artistic women, ambitious women, and more. Each woman has her own personality and goals. Overgeneralizing can be dangerous.

   • Don't mistake one woman's behavior as a universal female characteristic. Just because your sister doesn't like sports doesn't mean that your new girlfriend doesn't.
4. 
   Observe her. The best way to understand somebody, male or female, is to spend time with them and observe their patterns of behavior. Doing so will teach you things like what upsets her, what excites her, what annoys her, and so on.

   • Pay close attention to her, and be patient. While one woman might show you exactly who she is immediately, another woman might only show you certain sides of herself as you get to know each other.
5. 
   Ask her questions. This is key, especially if you are trying to get to know a woman you have just met, a woman who is shy, and/or one who is generally on the quieter side.

   • Get to know her passions, interests, hobbies, and goals for the future.
   • Ask her how what she has been up to lately, how she's feeling, what she's excited about, what she's worried about, what she's afraid of, etc.
6. 
   Learn about her past. Ask her about her family, and what her childhood was like. Everybody is influenced to some degree by the way they were brought up. Learning these things will teach you a great deal about any woman.

   • Don't press her about these topics, as they can be touchy. Let her decide how much she feels comfortable sharing with you.
7. 
   If you think she's upset, ask. Sometimes women feel uncomfortable voicing disagreement or emotional pain. If you get the sense that something is off, but she isn't saying a word about it, give her an opportunity. Take her aside in a quiet time and ask what is wrong.

   • "You seem upset, and I'm worried. Did I do something that hurt you?"
   • "You seem distant today. Is something wrong?"
8. 
   Be a good listener. Listening is important to understanding anyone, including women. Give her your full attention, and ask questions to better understand what she is saying. People love to be heard.

Source: WikiHow.com