How to Understand Women: 12 Truths Behind How They Think & Behave

Think you know how to understand women? Think again. Women are complex and if you want to understand the lady in your life, you need to think like a woman. 

We hear it all the time, “women are so complicated.” But, we actually think that men enjoy thinking that women are complicated because they like drama. Sure, some women are complicated, but, so are some men. If you’re finding yourself having issues learning how to understand women, that’s because you’re thinking like a man.

In order to know how to understand women, you need to tap into your feminine side, your emotional side. We’re human beings, so we’re all emotional, however, men tend to suppress their feelings as opposed to women.

What you need to do is embrace that side of you and that way, you’ll learn how to understand women. [Read: Mars and venus? 13 obvious gender differences in communication]

Are women really all that different?

You could argue that we’re all human beings, so how can we really be that different from one another? Well, that’s true but for some unknown reason, men and women are very different species.

Not everyone agrees with this viewpoint, but overall, men tend to be more logic-driven, while women tend to be more emotionally-driven. This isn’t the case for all women, of course. But, the majority of women tend to be more intuitive and empathetic, compared to men who often take things as they see them and don’t dig too deeply into issues.

If you want to learn how to understand women, you have to start seeing things through the eyes of a woman. Women experience life very differently from men, just as men have their own experiences.

By seeing things outside of your own view, you can perhaps understand things a little better, from a whole new perspective as well. [Read: What do women want in a man? The 14 things women actually want]

12 keys to learning how to understand women

While women may be different from men, we’re not as complicated as you think! Really, we’re not. So if you just remember these things, you’ll learn how to understand women and be a lot happier in the process. [Read: Girly things – What your girlfriend is really gossiping about]

1. Men and women think differently

It’s just the way it is. Men and women process information differently, that’s all there is to it. It’s not that women are crazy, it’s just that we see things differently in comparison to you.

That’s just something you’ll have to accept, especially if you want to know how to understand women. Don’t question it, just know it and work with it.

2. All women are different

We’re human beings, so naturally, everyone reacts differently to all situations. If you have a sibling, you may be very close, but you’re different in your own right. You may be the same gender, however, react completely the opposite to stress.

Some women will talk about their issues out loud, others like to be alone to process them. It really depends on the person. [Read: 23 things girls wish guys knew about a girl’s mind]

3. Women don’t compartmentalize

Men can have a crappy day at work, come home, and still enjoy the evening with their families. However, women are a bit different. If we have a bad day at work, we take it home with us.

We’re emotionally connected, and so for us to simply “get over” an issue isn’t as easy as it is for you. So, if your girlfriend had a fight with her mom and she’s been on edge ever since, she’s having difficulty processing it.

Most women tend to only be totally happy when there is harmony in life, i.e. nothing major going on that’s causing her to worry or overthink.

4. Watch her actions

When we’re pissed off, we’re less likely to tell you and more likely to show you. Yes, we should probably be more verbal in that department, but for some reason, we feel the need for you guys to figure it out on your own.

So, if you want to get ahead, watch her actions – she won’t be able to hide it. [Read: How to comfort a girl – 15 thoughtful ways to do it right]

5. Ask her how she feels

Many men just simply ignore this, and it’s not because you guys don’t care, it’s just that you think differently. You guys need to connect to your emotional side if you want to know how to understand women.

So, ask her how she feels, and she’ll tell you. Not only will you connect with her, but you’ll also be able to understand her emotional and mental state by asking her this simple question. [Read: 10 ways to be a better listener in your relationship]

6. Don’t try to problem-solve right away

When a guy listens to a woman’s problems, the first thing he does is bring out his problem-solving skills. Women don’t mind men trying to problem-solve, however, sometimes we just need someone to listen.

So, instead of trying to solve the issue right away, listen to her issue and ask her how she feels. Then, you can problem-solve.

7. She speaks the truth when angry

If your girlfriend, wife, boss, or mother is pissed off at you, listen to what they’re telling you. You probably don’t want to, but that’s when they’ll tell you how they really feel. Maybe she feels unappreciated, overworked, or ignored. She’ll tell you and you just need to listen. [Read: Why you should tell the truth even when it hurts and why it matters]

8. We don’t mean to bring up the past

We really don’t. Okay, sometimes we use it as a tool to piss you guys off, but for the most part, we don’t mean it. If it comes up in an argument, it’s because the memory came back to us, and it bothers us.

But for the most part, we use the past to make a connection to what’s bothering us now. [Read: The serious face – 21 things you do that really hurts her feelings]

9. Be patient

You know that men and women are different, so that’s done. But to actually know how to understand women, you’re going to have to be patient. We’re not complicated, but we are different than men, so this will take time for you to learn and understand.

Believe us, you’re going to say the wrong things at the wrong time, but with time, you’ll figure it out.

10. Are you actually understanding her when she speaks?

If you want to understand a woman, you need to first see if you’re actually understanding her when she speaks.

Are you understanding why she’s upset about you not doing the dishes, or why she’s stressed at work? If you’re having difficulty, try putting yourself in her shoes, and connecting with her emotions. Also, ask her to explain if you’re not comprehending. [Read: 33 signs and qualities that make a really great boyfriend]

11. Know that our feelings usually pass

You may not think it, but our feelings do pass. Sure, we were mad at you, but we’re not going to hold onto it for days and days. Not to say that some women don’t like to hold grudges, but there are men out there who do the same. No feeling is permanent.

12. She just wants to be appreciated

Know that underneath it all, she really just wants to be appreciated. She wants you to see what you do for her and be grateful. She wants to know that you’re happy she’s in your life. Also, she wants to know that you notice the small things she does for you. A ‘thank you’ once in a while really will help you out. [Read: How to make your girlfriend happy and feel like the luckiest girl ever]

Now you know how to understand women, it’s time to practice

To learn how to understand women, you need to change the way you think. That’s not going to happen overnight. You need to practice! You can start now. Simply try and tune into your emotional side a little more and put yourself in her shoes. 

The more you practice, the easier you’ll find it to understand the special ladies in your life. 

[Read: What do girls find attractive? 15 things all girls find appealing]

If you want to learn how to understand women, all you have to do is pay attention. See? We’re not as intense as you think!