How does inner strength manifest itself differently in men and women

According to Taoist philosophy, women fulfill the nurturing, supportive role (Yin energy) while men are the out-front, aggressive ones (Yang energy). These are the traditional outward manifestations of internal strength.

Of course, it's never that simple in real life ... ;)
 
I believe that women's fortitude derives in part from the maternal instinct, and consequently women who have been mothers are better equipped to do the things that have got to be done. Men on the other hand take a serious interest in defending their honor, take offense easily, get into fights or start wars. This behavior is currently most pronounced in the Middle East.
 

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I can only go by the people I have known --- and I come to the conclusion that there is no answer. The stereotypical answers I think turn out to be untrue. Everyone is unique and has a mixed bag of strengths and weaknesses. Some men are emotional and break down easily, some women are tough as nails. Things aren't so culturally cut and dried anymore where women are expected to be passive and men aggressive. Things have and are changing and so have gender roles -- at least here in the west. In some cultures, things may be a lot different, but they are also slowly changing.
 
I am inclined to agree with you,Cookie, about stereotypical roles. I think I would like to take this one step,further and question the definition of strength itself. I have a son who wears his emotions on his sleeve, laughs and cries easily, but is very calm in a crisis. He also loves to play airsoft games. I see his willingness to exhibit vulnerability as a strength, not a weakness. He functions well in leadership roles, and has been with the same woman since she was nineteen, and he was twenty-two, almost twelve years. I wish I had his confidence, and ability to live such an authentic life.
 
There is a rich trove of material on gender differences that reveal how they manifest thru all stages of life...
 
Although it came out some time ago, "American Couples" is a great work that looks at these differences from many aspects...
 
Cookie said:
I can only go by the people I have known --- and I come to the conclusion that there is no answer. The stereotypical answers I think turn out to be untrue. Everyone is unique and has a mixed bag of strengths and weaknesses. Some men are emotional and break down easily, some women are tough as nails. Things aren't so culturally cut and dried anymore where women are expected to be passive and men aggressive. Things have and are changing and so have gender roles -- at least here in the west. In some cultures, things may be a lot different, but they are also slowly changing.
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Agreed.
 

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