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The Male-Female Dynamic

Introduction

By Madiha MasoodPublished 8 months ago 3 min read
2

In a world where TV shows often portray the normalcy of boys and girls forming deep friendships, questions arise about the true nature of these relationships. Some view them skeptically, fearing they may evolve into something more than just friendship, perhaps akin to 'friends with benefits.' Throughout our lives, we've been taught that men and women have distinct responsibilities and roles, an idea deeply ingrained in society. However, this perspective becomes confining when men insist that a girl can be their best friend and that this friendship can be as pure as that between two female friends. In my piece, I aim to explore the nuanced dynamics between men and women, a topic I will delve into in detail. Recently, I've come across evidence that sheds light on how destructive such male-female friendships can be. I know someone who had to bear the consequences of considering a man his best friend, only to discover that the man viewed her as a romantic interest while pretending to be just a friend. This experience has led me to question whether true platonic friendship is achievable between the sexes.

My piece will critique the intricacies of relationships between the two genders. Men and women are often described as two pieces of a puzzle drawn toward each other, forming a cohesive whole. Relationships between men and women can be rooted in physical attraction and affection, which is entirely natural if both individuals share those feelings. However, it doesn't necessarily translate into a pure friendship when they remain in the 'just friends' zone. It raises questions about traditional and conservative mindsets, but that's not my main point here. I want to provoke some thought-provoking questions: Can a man truly understand the physical and emotional pain women go through during menstruation? Can his well-intentioned but clueless "take rest, you'll be fine" offer the same solace as a fellow woman's empathy? During childbirth and post-birth changes, how can a man relate to the myriad transformations a woman's body goes through? The truth is, only women who have experienced these processes firsthand can fully comprehend the depth of that pain. When someone has never walked that path, it's unrealistic to expect them to grasp the same level of understanding. So, what's left to discuss with a man who doesn't comprehend your pain or your body? Can he truly be considered a female friend? No, a man can be a lifelong partner, but he can't be your friend in the same way that another woman can.

In essence, while men and women can share many aspects of life, there are experiences, emotions, and pains unique to each gender that make true platonic friendship between them a challenging proposition. It's not about being orthodox or conservative; it's about recognizing the intrinsic differences and limitations in understanding between the sexes.

As my responsibility to guide my fellow women, I want to convey the message that male-female friendship can often lead to misunderstandings and complicate our relationships. Therefore, it's essential to choose a partner rather than just a friend. We, as women, have a unique bond with our own kind, and we don't necessarily need men to fully understand and share our physical and emotional experiences, including our challenges and suffering. We are capable of supporting each other.

The purpose of my writing is not to promote hatred towards men but to encourage all women to consider that men can be our life partners, lovers, and soulmates, but they may not fully grasp the intricacies of our gender-specific experiences. Gender roles have been defined from the very beginning, and it's important to acknowledge and respect these roles. We can all find our places within these roles and relationships, understanding and supporting one another as we navigate life's journey.

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About the Creator

Madiha Masood

Dealing with a profound burden and enduring agony in search of solace, I made the choice to document my experiences and paint the world with my vibrant thoughts, hoping to receive recognition and understanding for my efforts.

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  • Alex H Mittelman 8 months ago

    Nice work! Great job!

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