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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

To ask if anyone actually knows how to deal with men?

33 replies

FluentCyanExpert · 29/10/2025 19:02

Sometimes I wonder… is it about patience, boundaries, humour, strategy, understanding or luck? Do you feel like you’ve figured men out or are we all just learning (and re-learning) with every new relationship? Serious answers, funny answers… I’m curious!

OP posts:

randomchap · 29/10/2025 20:23

SeaAndStars · 29/10/2025 20:12

I've spent my whole life working with more men than women and I would say the only thing they have in common is that they're all different.

I have however discovered the key difference between men and women.

Women will eventually have enough gravy on their plate. A man will always be happy to have more.

It's true. No such thing as too much gravy

5128gap · 29/10/2025 20:27

Dont bother trying. If they want to be in your life it's down to them to figure out how to deal with you.

safetyfreak · 29/10/2025 20:29

MasculineProviderEnergy · 29/10/2025 20:16

Castration? Dealing with testosterone must be miserable, look how happy dogs are!

Good idea, should be offered more😝

SeaAndStars · 29/10/2025 20:37

randomchap · 29/10/2025 20:23

It's true. No such thing as too much gravy

Show quote history

I rest my case.

CarpetKnees · 29/10/2025 20:49

SeaAndStars · 29/10/2025 20:12

I've spent my whole life working with more men than women and I would say the only thing they have in common is that they're all different.

I have however discovered the key difference between men and women.

Women will eventually have enough gravy on their plate. A man will always be happy to have more.

Love this

Borethefuckoff · 29/10/2025 21:09

ChikinLikin · 29/10/2025 19:17

I am old and I know how to deal with men and boys. I understand what makes them tick and I know, for example, that most of them need a lot of praise and recognition for the work they do and the stories and jokes they tell. So I can bring out the best in them if I need to, but mostly I no longer bother.

Eurgh you sound so patronizing!

Thepeopleversuswork · 29/10/2025 21:13

They aren’t a different species from us you know? They are all individuals.

My “rules” for dealing with my partner are very much the same as the rules for anyone you are close to: treat them with kindness and respect, be direct and transparent and don’t play silly games, trust until they give you reason not to trust and don’t do things just to please them if you don’t want to.

It’s pretty simple really.

smallglassbottle · 29/10/2025 21:33

If I have to deal with men, I get dh to do it on my behalf. When I deal with dh I just nod and smile and that seems to suffice.

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