Think Like a Guy

Think Like a Guy

An insightful guide for women on understanding male perspectives, communication styles, and behaviors in dating and relationships.

Some believe that in order to start or maintain a relationship with men, women should learn how to think like them. While this is nearly impossible to fully undertake, thinking like a guy can be broken down into a few simple points.

If you’re in a relationship

• Men are simple and direct. They love differently than women. Remember that men do not tend to be as elaborate and expressive as women. Allow them some time to become comfortable with you, and in time, you will get to know them better. They may or may not reciprocate love and commitment to the degree you expect them to, in which case you need to try and open up the issue with them. Maybe he doesn’t come across as committed to your relationship, but who knows; maybe he’s just not that showy? At any rate, no matter how difficult communication between male and female partners can be, women can introduce the topic of whether they are on the same page. Both parties will benefit if they define exactly where they want to go with the relationship.
• Men need to feel appreciated. As partners, women should express how much they appreciate their man’s hard work. This gives them the confidence and strength to keep doing the right things. Remember that when men are at work, they are always sizing up the next man. If you tell them how much you appreciate him, it will inspire him to do better.
• You will know when a man truly loves you if he professes his love to anyone willing to listen, provides for you, and does everything to protect you.
• Men are not driven by sex alone. They do, however, connect through sex, just as women connect through conversation and cuddling. Most men are driven by their profession and their work. They are often defined by how much they make and by the opportunities they have to progress. You can help him achieve his goals, and in return, he will have time to focus on his woman.

If you’re entering a relationship

• Men want you to be independent. While they want you to warm up to them a little bit and rely on them to open jars or doors for you, it will also impress them to know that you can act and think independently.
• Men will respond or communicate when they’re ready or when they are interested. If you call a man, never call more than once. Leave a message if you reach his voicemail. If he doesn’t respond, then chances are he isn't interested.
• Men can be a little afraid of commitment, but it all depends on how far along in the dating phase you are. As a general rule, do not bring up marriage, babies, and the whole enchilada right away. Men will warm up to the idea whenever they’re ready.
• Men wake up with a clean slate and forget the previous day’s arguments. Do not bring up past arguments just because you feel you didn’t get closure. Men do not like being nagged, so it’s best to move forward.

These may be treated as generalizations about men and can be considered unfair by many. However, it’s up to you and your partner whether these hold true. It cannot be denied, though, that most men are simple and direct, while most women are more complex and tend to sugarcoat things. But at the end of the day, open communication is the key to any stable relationship.