40 Things Men Didn't Know About Women Until They Got Into A Relationship

That they are very capable of solving their emotional problems themselves. Sometimes they just need someone who listens to their story without them saying whats right or wrong.

They don't...stop..thinking... at all. I can be sat on the sofa staring at the wall and my mind is a void... occasionally a though may float past, like a discarded crisp packet in the breeze.. then.. back to silence.

Whereas every woman I've been with seems to have a brain like an 80's stock exchange... thats on fire... and full of angry murder hornets.... so much activity.

A good hug when “nothing” is wrong works wonders.

Until I actually lived with my partner it was hard to comprehend just how often a period comes, how long it lasts, and how much it can affect your day to day.

What a pain in the a*s. I do not envy the ladies.

They tell you to put the seat down on the toilet because they legit fall in if they don’t notice.

Honestly? How much unnecessary guilt women carry around with them over everything.

First girlfriend I had (18 at the time) everytime I did something nice would either apologize or promise some kind of sexual reward. At first it seemed hot but after a few times in a row I just told her I wasn't doing nice things for a reward but because I cared about her. Made her cry and we talked it out afterwards but yeah after that (and just other things I talked to my female friends about) my eyes were opened to how invalid women seem to feel.

Periods suck. Bras suck. Shaving suck. Women don’t get enough pockets on their clothing. And they appreciate compliments A LOT on things they may be insecure about. (Like stretch marks or thighs)

That my hoodies are actually her hoodies.

My first relationship I always wondered why my girlfriend would rant at me about things like horrible coworkers, stress dealing with projects etc. and then get mad at me when I tried to talk through the problems, break them down and help come up with workable solutions. My second relationship I realised when women do this, they just want to rant and have a hug at the end. They don't want your advice, they don't want a calm, rational discussion about what they can do to make a situation better. Don't pour kerosene on that fire, just let it burn out.

That periods are a f**king nightmare that we should be grateful we never have to experience, and sympathetic to those who have to suffer them regularly: light or heavy they’re a frigging beast to deal with while living a normal day to day life.

That relationships take a f**k ton of work and commitment.

Before I got into one, I thought love and passion was all that was needed.

I couldn't have been more wrong.

A real relationship takes so much practical work.

Love, passion, dedication, and trust are the foundations, yes.

However, there are so many more practical considerations on top of that.

Some prominent examples:- Attachment styles.- Finances.- Distance.- Emotional bandwidth.- Maturity level.- Sacrifice.- Commitment.- Discomfort and confrontation.- Learning how to argue and disagree healthily.- Concerns about intimacy and sex.- Power dynamics.- Place in life and relative experiences, sexual and otherwise.

The list goes on.

Relationships are a LOT of f**king work and as I learned the hard way, you could love someone more than life itself and be willing to die for them and think they are your one true soul mate AND THEY CAN FEEL THE SAME EXACT WAY but if these other things aren't in place, then it will NOT work and you will experience the most soul crushing and excruciating heartbreak of your entire existence.

What might be a really small thing for me to give her (a gesture, compliment, smile, etc.) can mean a whole lot to her.

That they don't wear matching underwear all the time. Genuinely thought the bra and panties were always a set. I blame the Sears catalogue.

Finding a doctor who won't assume they're either on their period or that it's "all in their head" is insanely hard. It's difficult to understand if every trip to the doctor has been normal and helpful as a dude.

They are more insecure than they let on and we should do our best to not abuse or use those insecurities against them especially in arguments

• I’m more in tune with feelings and emotions now

• The amount of times women feel uncomfortable by men in day to day situations

They appreciate the gifts you've made, even if they're not good, just the fact that you put effort into making them something

The statement "just do what you want" no matter the tone, means you f**ked up.

Actually the most valuable thing I’ve learnt is be honest. If I’m going to the pub and know I’ll be back late, just be straight up and tell it like it is. Most girls like honesty (seems fairly obvious doesn’t it). The relationship I’m in now has been by far the best because I don’t try to play games which has got me into trouble in the past. Honesty and transparency. It’s the key.

That birth control messes with their hormones a lot.