“Men are from Mars, women are from Venus”, is probably the most accurate sentence that was ever written.
The phrase signifies that men and women are so fundamentally different in their psychology, emotional needs and communication that it’s as if they come from different planets.
Google reports that the sentence highlights core behavioural contrasts:
- communication styles – when stressed, men often retreat internally to solve problems alone, whereas women seek emotional relief by talking and connecting
- conflict approaches – men are generally solution-oriented and literal, while women seek emotional validation and empathy rather than immediate fixes.
It is hard to disagree with that, although I might have a slightly different view on communication styles.
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If Old Mate and I, for instance, have a disagreement and she doesn’t see herself having a clear victory, the response is: “whatever” and then total silence … until I get hungry and apologise for something I didn’t think I did.
With regard to conflict approaches, I agree with both sides of that explanation. But I would add that Old Mate usually rings one of her friends and tells them what an idiot I am while I am within hearing distance. That seems to make her feel better – which is probably not a bad thing as it usually means I will still get dinner.
The male and female in our house are worlds apart regarding what’s important. For instance, putting a Tupperware lid on, resealing a resealable packet and stacking the washing-up drip tray in the correct manner are all things that I am not completely efficient at (and for which I am subjected to a performance review).
The condition of the vanity, the plughole and the toilet bowl are also very important in Venus. However, it appears there are no cars in Venus as Old Mate has no idea how to keep her car clean – that’s left to the guy from Mars to attend to on a regular basis.
They do say opposites attract and, to be fair, I probably couldn’t live with me, either. So, the Venetian does keep me on my chubby little toes. But on the occasions she says: “Love you to the moon and back”, is she actually thinking: “One way ticket to Mars”?
Ashley Robinson is Metropolitan Caloundra Surf Club CEO, chairman of Thunder Netball and a lifetime Sunshine Coast resident.
