Stereotypes (I): Why men don’t listen and woman can’t read maps.

Versión en Castellano: Estereotipos (I). Porqué los hombres no escuchan y las mujeres no entienden los mapas.

Women are like mathematics, difficult to understand … although necessary for everything.


This small entry is intended to recommend a very curious book. It fell into my hands almost twenty years ago and yet it never ceases to amaze me. Especially, now that I am immersed in the world of reading and researching of social, psychological, neuroscience and biology dyes too.

Considering the content that brings us the book that I present below, it is very likely that we will find the knowledge that the human does not accuse himself of being wrong. When this happens, he avoids at all costs the cession of his position or, simply, to recognize that he was totally wrong. It generally leads people to an insufferable perfectionism or, if not, a serious immaturity. «Wrong is human, and rectify, wise». So, love your mistakes, have fun of them! The next time you leave your door open, don’t deny it, don’t blame «nobody», just … say: «I trust people». Well, humor may help…

And, if you continue with more examples, have you noticed that women generally have difficulties with maps? .. But, and men, have you realized how much it costs them to stand and ask for an address? Could it be that they are afraid of being wrong since in the question they give up their power, their control of the matter?  In any case, if you are a woman, you have probably dropped the window at the first red traffic light you find and asked the first person you meet. If not, you have even stopped the car for looking for some human being’s help.

These differences are curious, they are our day to day and, basically, they are small things that make us different. Then, it is good to seek equal opportunities, although always keeping our differences. Perhaps it is a social approach whose perspective has not been exploited intensely since feminism. Another day we can talk about my personal vision of equality and this term that does not completely convince me.


Why men don’t listen and woman can’t read maps: how we are different and what to do about it» it was first published in 2001. Written by Allan and Barbara Pease, a couple of experts in personal relationships. It quickly became a world best seller.

It is a book that offers a totally new and fresh vision of certain human behaviours. It is a material that approaches inquiries in neuroscience, evolutionary biology, sociology, psychologist analysis, although in an illuminating way.

It is a shocking and frequently hilarious exposition of stereotypical gender differences, answers and commom questions about why men are turned on by the thing that turn women off, the relationship between PMS and sex drive, why blondes have highter fertility rates, and more.

In addition, it is full of drawings that illustrate each case. Something that makes your reading much more fun and, at moments, extremely amusing.

So, if you have a curious mind, you will enjoy discovering the reasons for some stereotypes. It is a highly recommended book.

I remember its title: Why men don’t listen and woman can’t read maps: how we are different and what to do about it»

You’re going to love it!

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Verónica García-Melero