Men and women have been trying to figure each other out since the beginning of time. It seems we could not be more opposite. Despite every effort to share our secrets of what makes us tick, it doesn't seem to always get through to the opposite sex. Here is another attempt at sharing some common misunderstandings about women that men have, and what they really mean.

1. We have a different way of communicating

Men tend to be pretty direct. When they have a question or concern, they just say it. Most women don't communicate that way. There are a lot of factors that go into what we say and how we say it. We take everyone's emotions into consideration and a question is not as simple as it may seem. We internally analyze how we think someone will react to our request or probing and every possible outcome before proceeding. This influences how we say or ask something, which can come out less clear then we intended. Our way of communicating makes sense to us, but might seem confusing to you. If you listen long enough, eventually, you'll understand!

2. We are not all the same

There is not a manual that tells you all the secrets to women. We're not all the same. Not all of us like flowers when you do something wrong. Not all of us need to be showered with gifts. Not all of us like spa days, chocolate and yoga.

However, there is one thing we have in common: there is no simple formula to figure us out. It's complicated.

The best approach is to focus on one of us at a time. Spend time with us, ask us questions and learn what our individual likes and dislikes are. Never assume you know us, or that we're alike. This will only lead to trouble!

3. We're not as needy as society makes us seem

History has a way of teaching us that women are needy and weak. We need a man to complete us and to do all the dirty work. I can tell you that this is just not true. Women are strong. Even the ones that seem needy. For some reason the work we do and have done for centuries has been second to that of men, but it does not mean it is easier or less important.

While it is amazing to have a man to share our lives with, it does not mean we cannot survive without one. Instead of trying to be the hero whose purpose is to rescue us, try being our equal and confidant.

4. Our emotions are not always easy to control

Women have a bad rap of being emotional. Tears, tantrums and breakdowns are common with a lot of women. But despite the reputation, most women don't have as much control as men think they do. Sure, there are some that really can drum up the waterworks when they need to. They feel it is a way to get what they want from men, but we're not all that way. Most of us don't really mean to cry, or just can't help it. The tears are real, and they sometimes happen for the silliest reasons, like commercials or greeting cards, but we're pretty good at recovering quickly.

So if tears make you squeamish, just hold tight and they'll soon pass. Lend us your shoulder for a second and know that it is just part of who we are.

5. Our intention is not to confuse you

With how we communicate, our mixed signals and emotional outbursts, it is hard to believe that we really don't mean to confuse you! It's just how we are.

Women are great at multi-tasking, but sometimes it leaves everyone else confused. We may change what we're doing halfway through to finish up something else we started. Our conversations may seem disjointed or mixed up because we change directions mid thought. You may not think we are listening because we're also breaking up a fight between children, sorting through the mail and carrying on a conversation with you, but we are. Hang in there and try to keep up!

Hopefully this article shed some light on the mysteries of women. If you ever get confused again, you're not alone. Sometimes we don't even understand our own actions or reactions. I guess that's just all part of being a woman!