It’s clear that boys and girls are inherently different.
This observation is so evident that it has inspired countless jokes, novels, and films. Basically, boys and girls, and later, men and women, are distinct from each other.
These days, society seems reluctant to engage in discussions about this reality. I won’t go into another lengthy argument about returning to simple truths. If you’re reading this, I think we’re probably aligned in our views.
Gender Differences
As a thinking person, I’ve always recognized the differences between boys and girls. Growing up with a sister, dating girls, marrying my wife, and now having a child has shown me that there’s a unique depth to how women think and feel—it’s something I didn’t fully grasp until I had both a son and a daughter.
Reflecting back, I realized that I unconsciously believed that the distinctions between men and women were shaped by societal expectations, rather than deeply rooted in their nature.
This isn’t to say I was particularly liberal before having kids; I generally lean conservative. I was raised with the belief that men and women were similar. But, even those of us who may resist that notion eventually absorb those societal influences, which affect our perceptions until we confront the reality around us.
My Son
My son embodies these differences.
I truly can’t articulate it any other way. My wife and I often acknowledge this fact. He checks all the typical boxes: a fascination with construction vehicles, followed by dinosaurs and tools. He loves to build and just as much enjoys breaking things. I mean, he’s all about swords, shields, and Nerf guns. Yet, he also battles me every night when it’s time for bed.
His focus gravitates toward objects rather than people. He’s bold, often too clever for his own good, and relishes debate. Interestingly, he detests “Let It Go” from “Frozen” and will cover his ears and leave the room when it plays. Even when Mufasa dies in “The Lion King,” he tries to act tough and not show his emotions. He’s quintessentially a boy.
My Daughter
My daughter, on the other hand, exemplifies a different kind of emotional landscape.
She’s incredibly sensitive. She sheds tears during movies without hesitation, and if she had her way, she’d change outfits multiple times a day. There’s a certain joy she takes in toting around a tiny purse, wanting to get her ears pierced like her mother, or cradling newborns, treating her stuffed dog as if it’s her baby. It’s sweet, really.
Her kindness stands out, far more than our son’s, who generally comes off as a bit grumpy in comparison. She actively seeks to help him, even sharing her dessert with heartfelt wishes for his happiness. She’s genuinely a wonderful girl.
Inherent Traits
No one taught them how to be this way. Even though we adhere to traditional family values, their personalities emerged long before we could influence them. It’s clear that their behaviors are innately who they are—simply a boy and a girl.
I’ve gained a lot of insight from them. For instance, I’ve realized that men can naturally be unfriendly, not as a matter of manners but as a default behavior. Your understanding of women might have served you well during dating, but it doesn’t translate the same way now. It’s really quite fascinating, isn’t it?
I’ve also learned that we all can’t be everything. Boys will be boys; the good and the bad come with it. Girls will be girls, and that too carries its own set of attributes. It’s immutable—just the way the world is meant to be. There can be frustrations with how men and women differ, as the saying goes, “you can’t live with them, you can’t live without them.” But witnessing the purity of their differences, how they’re ingrained in their identities, makes me marvel at the balance created in the world.
In the end, yes, boys and girls are indeed different.
