It’d be too easy to say that women don’t know men and vice versa. It’d be even easier to say that all of the self help books that clutter bookshelves in stores across the world held answers that are somewhat useful. In both cases, you’d be wrong. There’s a level of understanding that’s apparent, and that is why love still remains. But understanding is not the same as assuming. Some things still need to be said plainly because people keep acting surprised when the obvious shows up.

There’s still a number of tenets that men clearly communicate that either go ignored or, well, go ignored. All men aren’t dogs. Those that do behave like that aren’t really men, they’re bottom feeders. The ones who post up at the club confident in the fact that while his partners are striking out with every dime in the spot, he’s going home with something. And you don’t really want to be with that type anyway. A decent man does not need to act like a scavenger to prove he can get attention.

It’s okay not to shop. That new Gucci purse isn’t going to make us like you more. Neither will that Charles Jordan dress. We care more about that you know how to clothe yourself than the actual articles you put on. Save some of that money for the times we decide to go Dutch on the meal out. We can respect the chick who makes thrift store look chic out of love for DIY. Looking good is one thing, but trying too hard usually gives the game away. Confidence always wears better than a receipt.

We care, just not that much. That all important detail of your day that you feel needs to be examined time and again just doesn’t rate that high on the Give-A-Damn meter. We love that you’re sharing. Sharing is caring. Though Caring is also a faint mumble and a slight nod of the head in false agreement to whatever it was you just said a few moments ago. It is not that we never listen, it is that every moment does not demand a full court response.