This blog is devoted to some of the things I have learned while living with females over the past four months.
It won’t be able to encompass everything but will hopefully give insight into the humorous and serious stuff that I’ve come to understand.
First let me say that the girls on my squad are such a BLESSING. I am truly thankful for all of them, their friendships and what I have learned through them this year so far!
Let me also say there is a huge difference between being friends with girls…and living with girls. Here are some of the things I’ve gleaned so far:
– Girls pass gas as much as guys.
I knew girls had flatulence, but I didn’t know they were blessed with just as much as males (if not more). The difference is men will pass gas and start chest pumping their buddy next to him, bragging about how loud it was. Girls will ‘crop dust’ the entire room and then subtly and slyly throw out a comment that one of the guys must have done it…only to sneak away as we argue among us who it was.
– Girls are weirder than guys.
I have had some moments in life with my guy friends where we look at each other and say, ‘man if girls saw us now they would think we are so weird’. There is no doubt in my mind that girls are in those situations 10 times as much. Girls are weird. Sometimes lovable weird, other times scary weird and sometimes just weird weird. And the more the guys are outnumbered in the situation the weirder the girls can get.
– 5 minutes…DOES NOT mean 5 minutes.
I have developed a scale in my head called ‘Ladies Time Adjustment’. Through careful observations and research I can usually calculate how much time is really needed based off what a girl will tell me. This also varies with the specific girl so it can take time to adjust to the individual. Now when ‘girl A’ tells me she’ll be ready in 5 minutes, I know she actually means 22. And when ‘girl B’ says it’s just a 7 minute walk to the store…I know it really means 16. There truly is a science to it.
– Emotions. Girls have more.
I have never been confused for an overly emotional person. Don’t get me wrong, I am not a robot, but I don’t always do a great job of showing my emotions. The girls on my squad are much more emotional and don’t have any problem showing it. It’s actually taught me the beauty in letting others see true emotion and being open and raw with other people. I’m a work in progress but thanks to these ladies my emotions can make an occasional appearance.
– Sensitivity. It’s real y’all.
In a not so shocking statement girls can be more sensitive than me. In fact much more. I’ve learned that even when my heart is in the right place my actions can be perceived in a different way than my intentions. I still struggle with this but I am trying to be much more conscience about being sensitive to others feelings, stories and emotions. It’s not always easy but man is it important.
– Girls eat just as much as guys.
I don’t know where the stereotype came from that women don’t eat as much as men. It’s a bunch of hog wash. I know girls that can put down just as much food as me and I can’t figure out where it all goes! They still look skinny and in shape after downing a couple plates of food that our ministry host keeps putting in front of us.
– LOVE. Sometimes it’s best worn on your sleeve.
The girls on my squad love each other. Oh so much. Sometimes to the point that it can seem over the top, but I’ve learned a great lesson in it. There are times I assume people just know I love them and that I will show it with my actions…but I forget to TELL them. There are so many people I love in this world and I’m going to do my best not to let it be implied. I want it to be KNOWN and there’s nothing wrong with sounding a little cheesy along the way.
– The essence of PATIENCE.
Sometimes living with females you have to wait. And wait some more. I have not always struggled with the waiting part, but sometimes I’ve struggled with where my heart was when I was waiting. Is it really beneficial to wait ‘patiently’ when in my heart I am frustrated and getting agitated or angry? True patience waits with a true heart.
– Sisters are better than friends
I am so blessed to have a biological sister and have always appreciated her. I also know the difference between sisters and friends. Sisters aren’t afraid to tell you things you need to hear but don’t want to. They can tease you one day and the next know exactly what words to say to cheer you up. The bond with sisters goes beyond the surface and is rooted in Christ.
This blog couldn’t really sum up everything, but living with females has been an incredible growing experience.
I’ve laughed. I’ve been confused. I’ve had some incredible times. The 31 girls on my squad have been a HUGE part of my World Race and I can’t imagine this year without them. I’m especially thankful for the girls that have been on my team and lived with me on a daily basis.
I hardly ever know what’s truly going in the depths of a woman’s mind (who can?), but there is so much to be learned from this incredible ladies.
I’m sure my future wife will be sending 31 thank you cards to my new ‘Sisters’ one day.
