I don't think men are from Mars, and I don't think women are from Venus. We are, however, pretty different. Every person is the product of their life experiences, environment, education and time but it's also too easy to fall into typical gender stereotypes despite these influences.

While stereotypes can be an easy way to justify behaviors, they also might hold some truth. As a woman myself, it would be easier for me to make a list of things we dislike about men. However, I'm not going to do that. Instead, it's time for women to realize that these things can bother - or hurt - the men in our lives:

1. Talking about intimacy with friends

It's OK to share certain concerns with trusted friends or family members, but be selective of who you're sharing this sensitive information with. Keep intimacy intimate and respect your husband - he might not want you talking about this to anyone but him.

2. Using secrets against him

Men feel vulnerable when they share their secrets ... but women love to share these secrets, no matter how private they seem. See the problem? To show your husband you love him, never use these secrets against him, especially when arguing.

3. Make the husband feel like the "bad cop"

Especially for couples with children, men are often faced with being the "mean parent" because they enforce the rules and punishments. This tendency for women to paint their husbands as the "bad cop" is something the men in our lives hate.

4. Bringing up the past

Recalling the date, hour and minute of everything that has ever bothered us in the relationship definitely puts a damper on your man's mood. Don't bring up past problems and mix them with current ones, or the problems will only get bigger.

5. Not admitting mistakes

Women can make huge messes, but we don't love to admit when it's our fault. Men hate it when women can't admit to being wrong and apologizing. Find some middle ground and admit your faults.

6. Having a "yo-yo attitude""

Not all women are like this, but many women like to feel strong and tough, but get upset when you can't keep up with the boys. Men hate this double-standard attitude.

7. Using intimacy as a threat or reward

Men despise it when we use our feminine charm to get what we want. For a happy and healthy marriage, it's important to remember not to do this and be straightforward about what we want.

8. Not respecting privacy

Let's face it. If his cell phone doesn't have a password, his wallet is in plain sight or you're putting some private papers in the drawer, you'll probably end up looking through them. Men know this and it bothers them. There should be enough trust in your relationship that you don't feel like you have to prove your man's honesty by secretly looking through his phone.

9. Constantly complaining

No one likes to hear someone complain all the time, especially your man. Women are sometimes specialists in seeing the negative, but instead, try focusing on the positive as much as possible.

10. Trying to control him

We do this with the best intentions, but the truth is that our husbands are human beings, not pets. We like to critique your haircut, pick out your outfits and decide what you're doing this Saturday. Men don't like to be controlled, so try to be a little more lenient.

These are only 10 things women do that men hate, and there are probably many more. There are probably more than 10 things women dislike about things that men do as well. To improve any relationship, both genders should work towards bettering ourselves and avoiding these annoying habits. Is there anything would you add to or remove from this list?

This article has been adapted and translated from the original "Lo que odio de ti. 10 cosas que los hombres repudian de las mujeres" which was originally published on familias.com.

The post 10 things men can’t stand appeared first on FamilyToday.

Our homes are a safe place we can go after dealing with the world. And just like how clothing can affect our mood and expresses who we are as a person, the interior design of our homes says a lot about our personalities.

If you've started feeling like your house isn't as comfortable as you need it to be, it might be because it's lacking certain things your personality needs to thrive. Having these things in your home can help you relax, be more productive and enjoy your space.

Our houses say a lot about our lives, so we need to renew them and fill them with good moments so we can always enjoy returning home. Here are a few tips on making your house perfect for you:

1. Don't overload your space

Cramming too much into a small space creates a feeling of claustrophobia and prevents you from enjoying your time in your home. Less is more, and having less clutter will reduce your stress levels.

2. Choose color carefully

Don't just choose your favorite colors to paint every wall in your home. Know what colors affect your moods, and take into consideration the type of feeling you want to have in your house. Neutral colors are always great because they're calming and can be paired with any decor you wish.

3. Show your personality

Your house doesn't need to be completely boring! You should add small touches that reflect your personality, such as a plant in a corner or bookshelves on the walls. If you love to travel, think about framing some of your favorite photos from your trips, or mounting a large map on your bedroom wall.

4. Good ventilation is so important

If you don't have great air-flow, you'll be uncomfortable and won't enjoy being in your house. When the weather is nice, be sure to open windows and get some fresh air into your space.

5. Keep it clean

Keeping a clean home can be hard at times, especially if you have littles running around. Although it's hard, keeping it nice, clean and smelling good will help you enjoy yourself while you're home and reduce stress.

6. Lighting is crucial

Light fixtures can make or break a home. Choose lighting that goes with each room, and make sure you have adequate light throughout the whole house. It's also great to have open spaces with big windows so you can have natural light coming in all the time. Try removing some window coverings or curtains to help let that sunshine inside your space.

Lots of people think in order to have good taste you have to have a lot of money, and that's simply not true. The secret to the success of your home is making sure you're comfortable, able to relax, enjoy and most of all, love. Does your home do that for you?

This article has been translated and adapted from the original "¿Sabes qué dice tu casa de tu personalidad y de tu relación? Más de lo que te imaginas" which was originally published on familias.com.

The post What does your house say about your personality? appeared first on FamilyToday.

Men: to have a happy wife, you must be invested in getting to know her. You can no longer rely on her telling you what you can do to make her happy. It is imperative you learn what to do to make her happy on your own.

A sweet good morning kiss before you leave for work and a tender kiss when you get home from a long day is a small and powerful acknowledgement of your undying love. It solidifies your commitment to the family the two of you have created together. Along with a kiss, keep these 11 things in mind to bring out the princess in your wife:

Commitment is everything

Men; for a moment try to imagine if your wife decided to look after the home and children but only after she has had her hair done, gone to lunch with friends, went shopping, worked out at the gym and went to work. How would you feel? How do you think your children would feel if they discovered they were not a priority?

Now, reverse the roles. How do you think your wife feels when your whole life revolves around your career, relationships with friends, sports and the obsession with making money?

There are many reasons why your kind wife can at times seem distant and seem more like a monster than a princess. Avoid the disconnect between the two of you by recommitting to your marriage.

A happy wife is the secret to a good marriage

This principle is so easy yet so difficult! Take the time to understand the small things that make your wife the happiest. Your attention to the little things will not go unnoticed and will help your wife be her happiest.

Kiss her

Kiss her, adore her, hug her and tell her you love her every single day.

Keep your promises

Women value men who keep their word. Be honest in what you say and in what you do. Keep your word and keep your girl happy.

Make time

Set aside time just for her. It may be something small like a foot massage after a long day or a candlelit dinner in your backyard. Create small moments the two of you can enjoy together.

Small gifts

Offering a small gift can turn the tides in your relationship with your wife. It does not have to be expensive or extravagant. It can be a wildflower picked on the side of the road or a letter left in her car. A small offering is a clear and powerful reminder you were thinking about her.

Dress up for her

Women adore when their man looks dapper, confident and smart. Your wife can easily see you as a successful man that can provide, protect and love her.

Be aware of guy time

When you value the time spent out on the town with your guy friends more than the intimate and special time with your wife, you are creating an emotional disconnect between the two of you. Yes, there is time for the two of you to enjoy the company of your friends. However, emphasizing the time spent with your spouse is a priority that will help heal feelings of neglect.

Be interested the things she likes

To let your wife know you are invested in your relationship, show interest in the things she cares the most about. More importantly, pay attention to the things she says. A wife will be as happy as a princess if she feels she is listened to.

Make her laugh

Believe me, every woman is a sucker for a man who can make her laugh. If you take everything too seriously and are quick to anger, situations in your marriage will cause resentment and hurt feelings in your home.

Do not forget the romance

Remind her that chivalry is not dead. Surprise her by opening her car door, pull her chair out at dinner, compliment her on her appearance as well as her many talents. I promise these small offerings will not go unnoticed. Your wife will appreciate your attention to details and she will be reminded why she fell in love with you in the first place.

If you want your marriage to work, stay close and remind her you love her.

This article has been adapted and translated from the original, "Solo para hombres: haz que desaparezca el ogro y regrese la princesa,_" which was published on Familias.com.

The post Do you bring out the monster or princess in your wife? appeared first on FamilyToday.