Well, I was just reading another hubber's thoughts on relationships, and I felt like weighing in myself. I've had my convoluted rant about marriage already; this is different. I'm talking just relationships in general.

Now, before I get into this, keep in mind that I am an antisocial prick who's never had a successful relationship with another human being, so take any advice I have for you with a grain of salt.

Okay, I've heard enough comedians joke about the differences between men and women. In truth, men and women are not such different organisms. The only thing that really makes us different is that we need different things. And I'm not just talking about the bedroom here.

It seems like practically every guy I've heard of who's ever been dissatisfied with a relationship complains that the girl wants to do stuff with them all the time. All the guy wants to do is relax and watch tv on Sunday, but women want to paint the dining room or go antiquing or whatever other inane activities women enjoy. Guys don't want to do that because they're inane activities. They're inherently no fun for guys.

Now, my fellow men-folk, listen up because this part is for you. Do you know why women want to do this stuff? It's because they want to spend time with you, their significant other, and they think these are good activities to help the two of you bond. If she actually enjoyed doing this stuff half as much as she acts like she does, she'd go by herself or with friends once in a while, not drag you along every time.

Ladies, your turn. Want to know why your guy doesn't want to do this stuff? It's not just because the activities are inane or uninteresting. Sometimes, guys just want their alone time. That Sunday afternoon on the couch with the tv? That's his alone time. Videogames? Alone time. If you try to get into it with him, it's unlikely to work. A guy might let you watch tv with him as long as you don't talk, but you'll be hard-pressed to find a dude who really likes playing videogames with his girl. Once in a while, maybe, but not all the time.

What it boils down to is this: guys and gals want different things socially. We have different social needs. Women want to be around other people most of the time. They think activites are made better by doing them with a friend or significant other. Guys, on the other hand, want to be alone. Occasional social contact with friends and loved ones is fun, but not all the time. Sometimes we just need a break to be by ourselves and unwind.

Now obviously there can be exceptions to these rules. Once in a while you'll come across a guy who needs to have company to enjoy himself, or a girl who likes to be independent. In my experience, though, these people are rare. For the most part, men and women need alone time and social time respectively. Some may need more than others, but they definitely need it. The sooner we all understand this, the easier it will be for men and women to understand one another.

Granted, we could always try talking to one another, but good luck getting anyone to say what they really mean. Man or woman, a person who's truly honest with themself and others is a rare thing in this world. If you meet one, try to appreciate the position they're in. In all likelihood, they'll die a virgin, because pretty much no one wants to hear the truth. (Yes, I speak from experience here)