1. We contradict ourselves, and we just can’t help it. We want to be independent, yet we want you to take care of us. Just deal.
— Shelley Ealy, 35, married
2. Not all single girls in the South are husband hunting. Some of us realize there is more to a marriage than being a bride; and since the wedding only lasts for a weekend, I’m willing to risk spinsterhood over settling. (Aunt Gertrude, are you reading this?!) I like to wait at least until date three before suggesting names for our hypothetical children.
— Allie Finkel, 26, in a relationship with a “great guy”
3. When girls are in groups, we’re pretty much talking about you and all the things you do that annoy us. And we’re comparing notes.
— Katie Guffey, 24, in a domestic partnership
4. A relationship is teamwork. Quit sitting on your (rear) and expecting your wife/mate to do everything. It takes both of you to make it work forever. I think my husband has his act together. He’ll sit on the couch and watch football, but he’ll fold laundry. According to my four sisters, I have it made in the shade.
— Deborah Jane Harris Anziano, 34, married
5. There are times when we tell you a problem and we just want you to listen, not solve the problem. We just needed to vent.
— Jasmin Rippon, 29, married
6. Women want to be treated as equals. I don’t want to hand things over to men. Don’t downplay (a woman’s abilities). Give women more benefit of the doubt, and don’t offer assistance so quickly just because you feel like they’re incapable of doing something.
Ange Roth, 37, single and pausing
7. Women say a lot without actually saying anything. If a lady’s body language seems distant — i.e. crossed arms, standing/sitting farther away, body aimed away from the other person, and (there’s a) lack of eye contact — perhaps it’s a moment to be sensitive.
— Emily Eckardt, 25, in a relationship
8. Never trust a woman who has no female friends. Ever. I can’t tell you how many times I have been in a conversation with men about past failed relationships and the story begins to sound familiar. Does she have any girlfriends? No. Bingo! Women who don’t have female friends need attention from men and know how to get it. (Read: Manipulative. Read: Danger! Danger!) And once they’ve gotten your attention, they move on to the next guy.
— Emily Marsh, 32, single
9. Compliment us. Share your feelings. Be spontaneous and creative. We like these things. We don’t want a boring person.
— Jennifer Hairston, 25, single and mingling
10. We find it incredibly sexy when you know how to do stuff, like cook. There’s just something about a man who is confident and knows his way around the kitchen, who can pull a meal together without a whole lot of drama.
— Katrina Craven, 35, married