Expectations about Relationships

Or, Men are from venus. Women are from Mars.

Society often places unfair expectations on men and women to behave in certain ways. Some of these expectations contribute to sex roles stereotypes, poor communications, and the mixed messages that occur when a person's verbal and nonverbal behavior is interpreted incorrectly.

Some examples include:

• Guys/Men are taught that it is their responsibility to be in control and take the initiative and Girls/Women are taught that it is not feminine to be assertive and say what is on their minds. Because guys have been socialized to take charge and have control over a situation, they may think that they need to take charge and initiate sex. Because girls have been socialized not to be assertive, they can find it hard to say what's on their mind, such as "I'm not ready to have sex" or "no".

• Guys/Men need to have sex and don't have control over their sexual urges. The bottom line is - nobody needs to have sex and everybody has control over their sexual urges. Sex can be a very enjoyable part of a relationship, but only when it is a mutual decision for both partners.

• Girls/Women should allow a Man/Guy to go only "so far" sexually. There are many derogatory labels used to describe women who are sexually active. The truth of the matter is that both men and women can equally derive pleasure from sex and both have the right to make decisions about who they would like to have sex with, how often, and what type of sexual activity they want to participate in..

• Guys/Men need to be sexually experienced in order to be considered a man. Being a "man" means knowing what is right for you, acting responsibly and being respectful of other's feelings and wishes..