In this series I promise to honestly answer any question my husband puts to me (I wrote about it in more detailĀ here). This time, he asks: why don’t women say what they mean?
Hubby: Why don’t girls say what they mean? Weāre not mind readers, and it can be really manipulative.
Me: Ah. This is quite a complex question. It has layers, because you’re asking me to answer a generalisation. And while I can appreciate that stereotypes are usually founded in something resembling the truth, naturally, there are exceptions to the rule. So you’re putting me in a bit of a tight spot…
However, I said I’d answer truthfully, so I’ll do my best for you – with this disclaimer:
I realise that for every female who behaves this way, there may be another who doesn’t; and equally, there are also men who are guilty/capable of displaying this trait. I am not intending to cause offence; Iām simply attempting to address the question frankly and honestly.
Speaking from experience, based on my own behaviour and that of others, I can totally see why women are sometimes labelled as manipulative. Iāve said it myself about others, countless times. I can even admit that in situations where I could have been more generous, Iāve sometimes pressed certain buttons to get my way. *cringes*
But ā in many cases, I truly believe itās not so simplistic, that thereās actually more at play than flagrant manipulation.
Often itās a case of feeling unable to openly ask for something. Whether it be shallow (new shoes), or something of a more emotional/sensitive nature (Iām telling you to leave me alone, but really I want you to ignore my words and hold me).
Of course there are some people who are simply out for what they can get. But that extends equally to men. (In fact, whenever I’ve heard about poor/silly people being taken in by a con artist and fleeced of their savings, the perpetrator has always been male. To qualify, I am definitely not suggesting that this is representative of all swindlers; that would be ridiculous. However it is indicative of the fact manipulation is not an exclusively female trait).
Iām reasonably confident that maturity is also a major factor. Certainly I know that as Iāve got older, I have become more direct about my needs and wants. I think thatās true of those around me too; though of course personality will dictate how assertive one is.
Why don’t women say what they mean? Ultimately, I think this has a lot to do with confidence. So itās important to be aware that there are occasions when integrity doesnāt come into it at all – itās not so black and white, because itās not a conscious decision.
Having struggled with shyness myself in the past, I can attest to the fact my indirectness was a symptom of low self-esteem.
Itās a reaction to a feeling; a fear of rejection.
The more secure a person, the more likely they are to be straight about their needs. And itās up to us to promote these positive traits in our daughter to ensure that rather than dancing around an issue, she has the confidence to tell us what she requires from us. And the best way to do that is love her; listen; make her feel heard. And give her boundaries.
I could (tongue-in-cheek, of course) ask you why you guys canāt see through our inability to say what we mean and read between the lines⦠But Iām not asking, or if I am itās rhetorical.
Because itās another of those unhelpful stereotypes which reinforces the gulf between men and women ā and the purpose of this series is to bridge that void.
Like this? You can check out more of my hubbyās ponderings (and my attempts to answer them) here.
12 Comments
Thanks Stephanie! I think our relationships with our dads are incredibly important, which is why I started this series. I want my daughter to have the absolute best, and I know my husband wants that too. So I hope this will help him to give her everything she needs from him to grow up into a well-adjusted young woman, without any unnecessary hang-ups.
Thanks Jess. ? I wouldn’t choose to go back to it, that’s for sure! X
Thanks Emma, I wish more people could be straight forward. I get labelled blunt for it, like it’s a negative trait, but I personally prefer people to be honest.
Very interesting post. I think you have hit the nail on the head here with it being a shy or confidence thing. As this is exactly why I find my self doing it and not to be manipulative. Xx #KCACOLS
I’m glad you agree, it validates me a little! xx
Great post and I must admit that I don’t always say what I mean. Especially when I’m annoyed with my husband!! #KCACOLS
Haha! I’m sure we’re all guilty of this from time to time! Though I am actively trying to be more straight forward with my husband, because it does make life easier. x
Why not??
Thanks Alice! I hope you continue to enjoy it x
Great post and this is the question that most men are desperate for an answer. They just don’t understand us and of course we really made it difficult for them too, lol This reminds me the book “Men Are From Mars, Women Are from Venus” which is a great guide to help to understand each other more, š Thanks so much for sharing this at #KCACOLS. I would love to see you again on Sunday! š x
Thanks Franca! X
Thanks Nicky! I hope you enjoy the rest of the series x