How to Get a Guy to Understand a Girl's Feelings
Relationships work best when both parties take the time to appreciate their differences. Failing to do so can lead to unnecessary discord. This is especially true with unions between men and women, as an unwillingness to learn about each other's feelings can lead passionate disagreements. If you find that a male friend or boyfriend just doesn't seem to "get" you or girls in general, confronting the issue can enhance the quality of your relationship.
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Instructions
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State your intentions up front. Let him know that he can benefit from learning to understand a woman's point of view. Provide specific incidences that led you to confront him with the issue. This candidness sets the stage for honest interactions and increases the likelihood that he will stay open to your ideas. Avoid approaching him in a harsh manner, as doing so can make him rebel against your efforts.
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Make a serious attempt to understand his feelings. Uncover his honest feelings about women and their emotions through a series of in-depth discussions. Ask open-ended probing questions to avoid being met with canned responses or indifference. You may find that he is unaware of his insensitivity, or that he purposely clings to stereotypical ideas. While it can be difficult to expose, knowing how he truly feels can help you choose the best teaching methods.
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Draw the distinction between understanding and agreeing with feelings. Let him know that you're not asking him to abandon his own beliefs about women or their feelings. Express to him that you'd simply like him to have a better picture of how women think. Meet resistance with patience, as it may be a huge step for some guys to accept that reacting differently isn't a sign of weakness or error.
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Give him a crash course on the female mind. While each woman is a unique individual, many share similar ways of thinking. The same is true with men. Use both real and hypothetical situations and women as examples in your teaching efforts. Examples include dissecting the female characters in "chick flicks" that you watch together, or discussing your own reactions to daily life and relationship issues.
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Tips & Warnings
Providing timely advice whenever he finds himself in uncomfortable situations with women can help him build confidence.
Stay positive and patient during the process, as it can take some time before he is comfortable deciphering a woman's emotions.
