I was given a great illustration on the difference between men and women. I want to share this with you.
Coming from Gary Smalley's book, For Better or for Best.
"The best example I can think of to illustrate these differences is to compare the butterfly to the buffalo. The butterfly has a keen sensitivity. It is sensitive even to the slightest breeze. It flutters above the ground where it can get a panoramic awareness of its surroundings. It notices the beauty of even the tiniest flowers. Because of its sensitivity, it is constantly aware of all the changes going on around it and is able to react to the slightest variation in its environment. Thus, the butterfly reacts with swiftness toward anything that might hurt it. If a tiny pebble were taped to its wing, the butterfly would be severely injured and eventually die.
The buffalo is another story. It is rough and calloused. It doesn't react to a breeze. It's not even affected by a thirty-mile-an-hour wind. It just goes right on doing whatever it was doing. It's not aware of the smallest of flowers, nor does it appear to be sensitive to slight changes in its environment. Tape a pebble to the buffalo's back and he probably won't even feel it.
The buffalo isn't "rotten to the core" just because he goes around stepping on pretty flowers. In fact, the buffalo's toughness is a tremendous asset. His strength, when harnessed, can pull a plow that four grown men can't pull."
What a great picture of men and women. Men may tend to "plow" through circumstances, while women "feel" life and their surroundings with much more sensitivity. That pebble on the butterfly's wing can be a sarcastic comment, a sharp criticism, or even an indifferent attitude. Whatever it may be, it can hurt her deeply or even crush her. While for him, he doesn't even notice what he has done.
I'm not implying that men are just cruel, and hurtful. And woe is women. What I am saying is that we need to understand our differences. That men are strong, and a woman needs that. She can't always come to a situation with logic. And men need the sensitivity of a woman, because without it, they will always "plow" through life.
Ladies, see men for who they are in Christ. They are born to be leaders, warriors, and kings. Learn to strengthen and encourage that part of who God has created them to be. They so desperately need respect from us.
Men, (if you are reading this) don't see the sensitivity of women as a weakness. Because it is not. Learn to open your heart more. Be gentle, and loving toward us women. Be patient and kind. We were created to be a husband's help-meet. To support and to respect. But we also have a longing for love.
Let me close with one final word. Ladies, don't EVER change. You were created to be a butterfly. Don't harden your hearts to the cruelness of this world. You are meant to be sensitive, caring, and loving. And don't let anyone tell you otherwise. And men, please stay strong. You keep us safe, you protect us. Being a buffalo isn't a bad thing. God created us different, but He loves us all the same.
