What point in mentally wiring Men so differently from Women?

Pick any stereotypical differences between Men and Women that you want - I'll use the Mars/Venus analogy: Men want to do something about a problem, Women just want their men to *listen* to their problem and understand them. How are these types of differences helpful? Whether you believe in Evolution or Creationism - being wired so differently from the opposite sex just seems to get in the way.

Public Comments

1. Actually it makes PERFECT sense. What gets in the way is modern man's interpretation of relationships and what we are "designed" to do. Men want to breed. The activities they engage in maximize their breeding potential. Women want to breed. The activities THEY engage in maximize THEIR breeding potential. Many "primitive" cultures have men hanging out with the men and women with the women. Couples are not expected to be each other's whole world. Men go hunt or have their secret societies while women forage, or do whatever in each other's company. So being differently wired is no big deal.
2. It was a benefit for our evolution that women nurtured the young while men hunted for food. Gradually as this environment changes women and men change but so so slowly. Personally I am happy to solve my own problems, and would not consider I take on a traditional womans role or personality traits - I hate gossip, I like earning more than my partner etc so I personally find most men much more fun to spend time with.
3. Well I don't agree with either Evolution or Creationism. The Neoplatonist and Hindu view is Emanationism. But that is tangential to the question. The reason men and women are different is not because of the deliberation of God or because of a billion random mistakes. The reason is because men and women are imperfect manifestations of the Male and Female principles, which are eternal and necessary. There is no other way that it could be. Male and Female; Yin and Yang - everything in the universe reflects these principles and many others. This is hard for many to understand because it requires contemplation and mystic insight.
4. Alas there are shining examples and veritable pimples upon the face of each gender. As with homes, cars and pets, we purchase rarely and hold for lengthy periods. We reconcile ourselves to our lot, whether it is perfection and life enhancing, or an unbearable sufferance and ordeal. Life is a game of cards, we draw a hand and play it to th ebest of our ability. Life is a stage, a drama, and we each play the roles assigned badly, well or to oscar winning standards. Life is a car journey upon the worlds motorway, some hurtling forward in their sports vroom vrooms at break neck speed, others meandering in the middle lane, whilst some toddle along as close to the hard shoulder and watch life pass by enjoying the scenery and view.. Life is a test for man and women to coexist, however to divert attention away from this simple need, and essential requirement the great evil prostitute creates religious, national, sexual, political warfare throughout the world. Thuse we become so embroiled in civil unrest, domestic discord, partisan politics, and religious dogma, we are left with little time to perfect our family relationships. Cost of living is thus that most couples struggle to financially upkeep their homes. Nations have commited atrocious evil crimes under the governance of female politicians. The societies wherein feminism has taken hold, ie women, rise up against man for equal rights along with the sexually depraved and other such like, the every fabric of those societies have been destroyed, dismatled, th efoundations shaken, presumably for the sins and actions of a few angered men, who of the misfortune to right the behaviour of a domineering and cunning woman, have unwittingly destabilised the equilibrium of the family and socialstructure Poltical power for dominance, between the genders, nations, religions, and political parties are alarmingly indicative of the great raging battle to undermine mankind. Truly blessed are they who abide in domestic bliss, having children raised in a loving and respectful atmosphere with peace in their hearts homes and communities. Such is life. Be Loved.
5. I actually think the two sexes compliment each other marvelously. I understand what you're saying though. It's the trouble we have understanding each other that gets in the way. I'll admit it! I don't get men. But thank god they are here to think without involving emotion. And thank god we are here to be kind and nurturing. It's a good balance, I think.
6. The reason why you have difficulty with the concept of differences between male and female is: 1 Evolution - because of the need for specialization into hunters and gatherers, males and females evolved into their roles. Woman became more at home because of the needs of the children. 2 Experiments show that indeed there is, in reality, only 10% difference ON AVERAGE between male and female in any given aspect. Take map reading - men are supposed to be good woman cannot. Rubbish - many woman are brilliant and quite a few men are terrible. 3 We socialize to become the exaggerated dichotomy that books like 'Men are from Mars and Woman are from Venus.' are based on. In societies where there is not such pressure to be different, the roles are less extreme. 4 We focus on difference rather then similarity. I have had couples who have come for counselling, they have sat in the chairs proclaiming how they cannot be together because they are different. However the thing that struck me was how so very alike they are.