So men aren't just being difficult...

'It's obvious that women are smarter then men. Think about it-diamonds are a girls best friend-man's best friend is a dog'. Joan Rivers.

It's a re-occurring argument; 'Why men don't listen and women can't read maps', and is also the title of a book I'm reading.
It is the most fascinating book i have ever read, giving researched and logical answers to all of the things we thought men (and sometimes women) were just being difficult about!

Husband and wife Allan and Barbara Pease, the authors, explain that is is an actual physical difference in men and women's brains that, for instance, make women able to multitask and for men to sit and watch the tele and claim that they are busy...

Back when we were living in caves, men were the hunter and therefore developed long-sight tunnel vision allowing them to concentrate on their prey from a long distance. This could take hours, and concentration meant that there was no need for conversation amongst their fellow hunters. Translated into the modern day? Ask a man to get something out of the fridge and you will probably hear the words ' Where in the fridge? I can't find it.' Deep breath ladies- it's the caveman's fault.
Because of a man's 'tunnel vision' he will only focus on one area of the fridge at a time, searching for the words 'J-A-M' or 'B-U-T-T-E-R', if they are not visible, he will admit defeat.
In terms of conversation, lets take the example of a group of men watching the football on the tele. Conversation is likely to be limited to comments about the game, they are concentrating on their sport so talk is not necessary.

Now lets take us ladies; how often do a group of women get together and chatting is not on the agenda? Even a girls night in with a film turns into a wine-fueled session of putting the world to right, the film on mute.
And as for the finding things in the fridge scenario? Women evolved as the 'nest defender' and needed 'peripheral vision' of almost 180 degrees to spot any threats approaching the home. If a woman is looking straight ahead she can actually still see to her left and right and will be aware of movement above and below. A woman can find the butter in the fridge in three seconds, make sure the potatoes aren't boiling over on the stove, and tell her children to stop pinching biscuits out of the tin behind her all at the same time.

Women must have eyes in the back of their heads then? Oh yes men, we don't miss a beat.


*References from 'Why men don't listen and women can't read maps' by Allan and Barbara Pease.