[DanaC]

Originally Posted by Clodfobble

It's the Biblical equivalent of "Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus." It was a cultural given at the time that women would naturally be loving (that is, affectionate, caring, gentle) towards their husbands, but might not instinctively know how to respect and uphold their manliness (praise for accomplishments, trust in his problem-solving abilities, let him take the kids on a trip that seems too dangerous to her watchful eye.) At the same time, it was expected that men would know how to treat their wives like trusted business partners, but might not understand that sometimes she just needed a hug, or a thoughtful gift of flowers--i.e., "loving" her in a traditionally feminine way.

It was not that each gender should behave differently, but rather that each gender should remember to develop their less-instinctive side. Major gender stereotyping, yes, but nonetheless still true enough that a modern-day author could write a million-dollar bestseller on the same topic.

That's seems a generous reading to me. But I see what you mean.