Apply this culture of confrontation, which glamorizes fighting and makes it look fun, to family relationships, and Tannen finds an emotional pressure cooker. Family represents a safe haven and a sense of belonging. It's a place where you can be yourself and be loved for who you are. Meaning well doesn't always end well. Men's friendships are created by doing things together.
Women create bonds by sharing secrets and talking about the most personal aspects of their lives.
Once engaged, they want to win. This means not admitting any wrongdoing, and by no means apologizing. Women, on the other hand, want to be listened to and understood. They also want a fight to end with an apology. I know I cannot get past a disagreement without one, whether it's from me or the other person.