Ever wondered what makes men tick?
From how they express emotions to their eating habits around women, science has uncovered some intriguing truths about the male mind and behaviour. Here are 15 fascinating facts about men that you probably didn’t know!
Surprising Facts About Men That Might Change the Way You See Them
Introduction
There’s a long-standing saying that “men are from Mars, and women are from Venus.” While it’s a fun way to describe the differences between the genders, scientific research has uncovered some surprising facts about men that many would rather keep secret. From their emotions to their subconscious behaviours, let’s dive into 15 fascinating facts about men that reveal more than meets the eye.
1. Men Struggle to Express Their Emotions
One common complaint in relationships is that men don’t express their emotions as openly as women. However, this isn’t because they don’t feel deeply—it’s just that they show love and affection in different ways. Men are less likely to verbalise their emotions because talking about feelings doesn’t bring them the same psychological relief that it does for women.
2. Men and Women Have Different Nightmares
Research from the University of Montreal found that men and women experience different types of nightmares. While women tend to have nightmares about interpersonal conflicts, men are more likely to have terrifying dreams about natural disasters, wars, and large-scale destruction.
3. The Way Men Pick Things Up is Different from Women
Ever noticed that men tend to bend over to pick something up, while women squat? This difference might be because women often wear restrictive clothing like skirts and dresses, making squatting a more practical option.
4. Men Prefer Women with a Healthy Weight
Contrary to the “size zero” beauty standard, research from the University of Granada found that men prefer women with a healthy weight rather than extremely thin figures. A natural and well-balanced body shape is more attractive to them than a model-thin appearance.
5. The ‘Thumbs in Belt’ Gesture is a Flirting Signal
When a man stands with his thumbs hooked in his belt, it’s an unconscious way of displaying confidence, strength, and even masculinity. This pose, which subtly draws attention to his physique, has its roots in prehistoric times when men used body language to attract potential mates.
6. Men Appreciate Compliments More from Other Men
Surprisingly, research from Binghampton University found that men prefer and value compliments from other men more than from women. It turns out that both genders tend to accept compliments more openly when they come from a man rather than a woman.
7. Men Choose Friends Based on Shared Interests
Friendships among men are typically built on shared activities rather than emotional connection. Whether it’s football, poker, or watching a game together, men prefer bonding over common interests, while women tend to form friendships based on emotional support and deep conversations.
8. Men Can Be Just as Good at Caregiving as Women
Although nursing and caregiving are often associated with women, history tells a different story. Before the 20th century, there were more male nurses than female nurses in many countries, and they were just as skilled in providing care.
9. Men Eat More Around Women
A study from Cornell University found that when dining with women, men eat up to 93% more pizza and 86% more salad than they would when eating with other men. Scientists believe this behaviour is rooted in an instinctive drive to impress women.
10. Men Have Larger Brains—But That Doesn’t Mean They’re Smarter
On average, a man’s brain is about 10% larger than a woman’s. However, this size difference is simply due to men being larger in general. Brain size does not determine intelligence, and both genders excel in different cognitive abilities.
11. Men’s Clothing Preferences Change with Age
When they’re young, many men prioritise fashion over comfort, even if it means wearing tight clothing. But as they age, men tend to prefer looser and more comfortable clothes, focusing more on ease than appearance.
12. IQ Can Influence a Man’s Lifestyle Choices
A study from the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm found that men with lower IQs are more likely to abuse alcohol. However, this may also be linked to emotional struggles rather than intelligence alone. In contrast, men with higher IQs tend to lead healthier and more responsible lifestyles.
13. Men Lie Twice as Often as Women
According to a survey conducted by 20th Century Fox, men tell an average of six lies per day, while women lie only three times daily. The most common lie? “I’m fine.”
14. Men Walk Slower When They’re With a Woman They Like
Research has shown that when a man is walking with a woman he’s interested in, he naturally slows down his walking pace by 7%. However, when walking with male friends, men tend to walk at a faster-than-normal speed.
15. Men Spend Almost a Year of Their Lives Staring at Women
A survey conducted by Kodak Lens Vision Centres found that between the ages of 18 and 50, the average man will spend about 11 months and 11 days admiring women. In contrast, women spend only six months of their lives checking out men.
