When it comes down to it, there are some things about being a woman
                   that just suck. This (complaining), is one of them. It's not that I like to
                   complain. I just do. Breaking down is the only way I can, for whatever
                   reason, regain the socially required feminine decorum expected of me. If a
                   man is angry, he can pout and walk around with his hands clenched. (If
                   driving, he'll simply refuse to ask directions).

                   It's not the act of complaining that is important- it's the fact that I feel
                   relieved and better after I've done it. Those around me obviously feel
                   otherwise (and think otherwise) after my rants.

                   It's almost a sacrifice for creativity: if my need to rant subsides, there
                   goes most of my writing, along with all the cynicism that makes me
                   American.

                   TIP ONE: How to handle the complaining

                   Usually men ask why women complain in the process of a woman's
                   complaint. While it is relevant, this will make the woman more irritible.
                   Whether she is complaining about you or something else, she's really just
                   doing so to make herself feel better. Ultimately, she knows that if she is
                   okay, she is better suited to take care of you. If you point out that the
                   selfishness isn't fair to you, you have obviously failed to follow her logic.

                   TIP TWO: We usually put others first

                   Most women, in families or relationships, do not put themselves first. If a
                   woman seems stressed to you, it may be because she is spending so
                   much time and thought on everything except herself. Therefore, to
                   suggest in such an instance that a woman is selfish could be disastrous.
                   This might be why a woman says you don't understand her.

                   TIP THREE: It's the little things

                   Furthermore, women love the 'little things.' All people love little things, but
                   no one loves them more than little girls. For me, it was always special
                   when my parents would get me an Egg McMuffin from McDonald's (just like
                   the commercial). Now, when my boyfriend prepares fluffy scrambled eggs
                   for me at breakfast time, it is equally special.

                   TIP FOUR: What girls are made of

                   All women were once little girls. There's a Doris Day movie out there
                   suggesting to "treat a man like a dog" for a successful relationship. Now,
                   while Doris' character was able to generally implement certain rules, she
                   did not literally treat her husband like a dog in the sense of degredation.
                   The same goes for a man treating a woman like a little girl. Don't be
                   condescending, but remember some things.

                   TIP FIVE: Remember what we say

                   If a woman tells you something about her childhood, pay attention.
                   Chances are if she used to like getting teddy bears for Christmas, then
                   she probably still does. While a more mature female might prefer a teddy
                   along with her tedy bear, the sentiment is still there.

                   TIP SIX: Cheesy stuff makes you a winner in her eyes

                   Cheesy stuff is often important to many women. You can purchase a
                   single rose for about $2.50-3.00 in any major city. If she hints so much
                   that she begs, that means she's just given up on flowers and is hoping for
                   something more substantial.

                   TIP SEVEN: Don't just be there, be there on time!

                   Being on time is an example of something that is extremely substantial.
                   While it would be nice to receive more chocolates and flowers than I do,
                   nothing could ever continually impress me as much as my boyfriend's
                   constant effort to be on time for me. If he can't be on time, he calls.
                   General perception is that most men don't understand this concept, so if
                   you don't, learn!

                   TIP EIGHT: Don't just serve, protect

                   Feeling protected is something that is valued by all, particularly in context
                   of the recent tragedies of September 11th. Women are no expcetions to
                   this. In fact, even the most liberated of all might want to feel a strong
                   arm around her back every now and again. Such signs of affection are
                   also most definitely appreciated. The trick is that there is no trick- you
                   can make a woman feel special and equal at the same time.

                   Conclusion of thought:

                   If you are tolerant of complaints, PMS, and subtle needs, your partner will
                   most likely be tolerant of grunts, 'sense of direction' when lost, and even
                   football.

                   It's also worth noting that in some relationships, the men view ice
                   pageantry while the women root for The Eagles.
 

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