There are some things about dating and relationships that your mom held back. Some of these things she knew you’d figure out, and some she couldn’t bring herself to say. Here we’ll tell you the real truth about men that she left out.

1. Not All Men Are Good with Money

We often assume that men are more analytical and good with numbers. Although this might be true, it doesn’t mean that they know how to manage their money. The truth about men is that they have different money strategies than women. Many studies have found that men tend to be more confident in their financial knowledge and more open to risky investments. Women are more cautious investors with an eye toward the future.

In 2021, CNBC reported on a Fidelity study that found women investors are outperforming men. The CNBC article said that “women may outshine men with a buy-and-hold investing strategy. Women have also made strides beyond retirement accounts, with two-thirds now investing extra savings outside of emergency funds.”

2. They Don’t Always Understand You

Men aren’t mind readers and communicate differently from women. Women can be passive-aggressive when mad or drop subtle hints. Men usually don’t pick up on these cues. If you want to have a healthy relationship, clear communication is key. Your mom probably expected you to figure this out as you started dating that men communicate differently.

3. They Want to Fix Things

Sometimes women just need emotional support, but men tend to be fixers. In challenging situations, men want to provide solutions and sometimes forget to listen. Women may need to be clear that they just need a shoulder to cry on or validation. This may come from the fact that men have a hard time showing emotional vulnerability. Being vulnerable and emotionally available comes more easily for women.

4. They Want to Be Needed

The truth about men is that they like to be relied on and feel that they are needed by you. Your mom probably wanted to raise you as a strong and independent woman. However, in any partnership, you both should be able to lean on each other. In many ways, you’ll have to learn what works in your relationship and not pay attention to stereotypes.

5. Some Have No Motivation

Not every man has aspirations to climb the corporate ladder. Some are content having a steady job with no desire to seek a promotion or a better job. Some are more focused on quality of life or following their passion than chasing a bigger paycheck.

6. Some Can’t Commit

No matter what you do, you may not be able to get some men to commit. It’s not you, some men prefer to be single or in a casual relationship. Men also mature more slowly than women, so this may play a role in men settling down later in life.

7. Some Don’t Want a Family

You may learn as you get older that some men don’t want children. This can be especially challenging as a woman if you want kids. Don’t waste your time if you can’t agree on having a family or not.

What are some other things about men that your mom didn’t tell you? Let us know your experience in the comments.

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Teri Monroe

Teri Monroe started her career in communications working for local government and nonprofits. Today, she is a freelance finance and lifestyle writer and small business owner. In her spare time, she loves golfing with her husband, taking her dog Milo on long walks, and playing pickleball with friends.