God developed the concept of the family as two completely different individuals with unique backgrounds, characteristics, needs, reactions, and patterns of coping with their environment. Although both are different, they work together to become one.
Men are generally considered the logical thinkers in the family. As a rule, he must figure things out and develop plans to achieve his goals. He needs to know that his wife understands his needs, knows the plan, and knows how to work it.
Women are usually considered the emotional members of the family. They must believe that they can reach their goals while maintaining the peace and security all women need. They need to know that their husbands understand their feelings and that they can express them when needed.
When a man’s plan changes because of outside circumstances, it doesn’t mean it was a poor plan. Things often come into our lives and alter.
Nor does a wife’s emotional response to these changes mean she opposes her husband. It just means that she is expressing herself emotionally. This will usually be her first reaction.
A man’s reasoning process is much like driving a car. You cannot just lock the steering wheel in the way you want to go and expect to get there. You must continue making minor adjustments until you arrive at your destination. The goal is the destination; it is not just a straight line. He often becomes angry when he thinks he might not get where he wants to go.
The woman operates much like a balloon. She expresses her ideas with emotional energy. These emotions are inside and must be expressed outward. If she cannot show her feelings, for whatever reason, pressure builds up like air in a balloon. The more pressure builds up in the balloon, the greater the explosion when it escapes.
A man reacts to what he thinks is happening, while his wife reacts to what she feels is happening. They can both gain control of their reactions by recognizing one another’s strengths and allowing them to blend as they learn to draw from each other. Understanding one another brings a couple closer, and it makes it easier to cope with life’s intense situations. Your family life can be like water that turns to steam when heated and to ice when frozen. It will conform to its environment. It is up to you to make the environment of your choice.
The good times are like a cake. The husband adds the staples, and the wife adds the sugar, spice, and flavoring. As the heat comes and goes, it results in something tasty and delightful that everyone can enjoy.