by Brenda Johnson

Created on: June 10, 2008

As a woman of age 36, who works in a profession that is easily 90% male, I am excited to share my thoughts on the observable differences between men and women. This is best illustrated by reflecting on some "typical" responses of men and women, given five similar situations. Yes these are gross generalizations, but in most cases, you will find them to be incredibly accurate:

Situation 1: You arrive at your hair salon to find that your stylist/barber has called in sick today

Male Response: Hop into another barber's chair, based on which one is available first;

Female response: Eyes water and face reddens, then (trying very hard not to appear angry but hoping everyone KNOWS she is angry) asks what exactly is wrong with the sick stylist and then demands to know the salon's policy for contacting customers when an employee will be absent

Situation 2: You leave your place of employment to discover that your car has a flat tire

Male Response: Change the tire, if he knows how, or if other co-workers are watching, pretends he knows how to change the tire until everyone leaves, and then calls AAA.

Female response: Calls boyfriend or husband to tell him what happened, but doesn't specifically ask him to come and change the tire. Upon realizing he isn't going to offer on his own, she impatiently suggests he comes. When he reminds her he has shown her how to change tires multiple times and that they have roadside service, she either cries, or threatens to have the handsome FedEx guy or an attractive male co-worker come change the tire.

Situation 3: You have never gotten along with your mother-in-law, and now she wants to come for a visit and stay with your family for a week

Male Response: Assumes this is a done deal and looks forward to being out of the house as much as possible during her visit; Stays out late, leaves early for work until she leaves; Apologizes that he wasn't able to spend more time with her during the visit;

Female Response: Begins to relate several minor reasons why mom-in-law can't possibly stay for an entire week, begins to discuss the interruptions her visit will cause to the family routine, asks husband to make up an excuse why it would be much better for her to stay in a hotel, and if all this fails, begins to clean the entire house in a frenzy you haven't seen in years.

Situation 4: Your male boss asks you to set up a meeting with a client known to dislike your firm

Male response: Set up the meeting

Female response: Ask boss why we are setting up a meeting with a client who we already know doesn't want to do business with us, and waits for him to explain his rationale. Reluctantly sets up meeting after a few rounds of debate;

Situation 5: Two team leaders are asked to pick teams for a beach volleyball game at the company picnic

Male response: picks his boss first, then picks the most athletic co-workers and those he knows have played volleyball before;

Female response: picks her friends, and the people who are friendly to her at the office;

And so, I hope these illustrations provide great insight to the differences between men and women and our approaches to life in general. But there is something to be said for the fact that women live longer lives than men overall!

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