This is just how God has made me to be. And I am not suggesting that any other lady does not LIKE men. I do feel, at times, that there is competition or perhaps suspicion of men. If we relate to them as one person relating to another person, period, there is no need to be anything other than honest and open. I'm not suggesting that we don't show due respect to our husbands, to the elderly men and to those in office, but respect does not equal fear and quivering.
Respect can include humor and questionings and even disagreements.
It is not solely the men's fault either. Women frequently, IMO, have a chip on their shoulder and expect to be dissed and therefore, find it at every turn. In God's family we are all on the same team. The men lead, but they also bear more responsibility before God for the church and the family. They are the ones who will have to give an answer.