EmailThe Harmony of X and Y
The world is engulfed in a modern jungle. Ropes and vines are replaced by telephone lines and fiber optic connections, while lilies and orchids fade away behind a vale of metallurgy, and sequenced suits and ties. Efficiency is king in this world, but depression is rampant without the soothing sounds of lullabies and coordination of color. This is a man’s world, but as James Brown once said, “It would be nothing without a woman.”
Our genders are meant to complement each other, not dominate. Unfortunately, this idea seldom flourishes in our society—even major religions reinforce male authority. Though men are natural leaders and have the physical prowess needed to build empires, women are the ones who keep our over-active egos in check and down to earth.
Our society is a whirlwind of technological advancements and gadgets that better connect us. But what is a relationship—whether it’s virtual, face-to-face or a combination of both—if it has no depth or strength? It’s hollow, and women best know this. Women are natural sages, nurturers, and are far more practical and logical, and in 2010, these characteristics are needed more and more.
Striking a balance between the genders would do wonders for our society. Men, as well as women, need not get caught in the trap of trying to be completely independent. We as humans were built with an inner desire for other humans, relationships and companionship. We function better when this part of us is fulfilled. However, people can take it to the extreme and lose their own sense of identity in another person, which is nothing short of tragic. Realize you are your own person, but still a piece of a puzzle.
In my last relationship, I recognized one very important thing: I cannot fix everything, nor am I wanted to. I knew I was a great listener when she talked about her problems. However, I realized that when she would talk about my problems, I closed her off almost completely. She had great insight into who I was and offered advice that would’ve helped me at the time if I had listened.
I have since grown, and in that growth, I realized the best thing to do as individuals is to not only recognize the strengths of the other person, but utilize them as well. This goes for both sexes. Women, do not be too irritated when he tries to fix something; be patient. And men, listen to what she has to say—she most likely knows what she is talking about better than you.
We should walk as equals, and above of all respect one another.
“Woman was taken out of man; not out of his head to top him, nor out of his feet to be trampled underfoot; but out of his side to be equal to him, under his arm to be protected, and near his heart to be loved.” - Anonymous.
Josiah Siegmund has been writing poetry and short stories for as long as he can remember. He is a student at Southeastern University in Florida, where he studies journalism and public relations. Siegmund is in the works of editing his first novel and hopes to finish that project in the coming year.
