The Editor, Sir:

This is in response to the article by Thomas Phinemann on 'Guys and girls ...' in August 7 Gleaner.

Dear Mr Phinemann:

I must say this is quite a thought-provoking, and yet somehow subconscious article that you have written. It not only deals with the fact that as genders we are basically one and the same, but highlights a crucial fact for all to apply.

It is hard to comprehend why a man would, fully knowing that he came from a woman, no matter how much pain she caused him, take it upon himself to kill her or even inflict harm on her

Understandably, as humans, we allow our emotions to get the better of us, but, as men, shouldn't we be the ones to keep calm even in the face of danger and (I dare say) the general rantings and overreacting of women?

The fact still remains that we are, as I said, inseparably linked. Men DO have a softer side, expressed in their love for their family friends and significant others (fiancées or girlfriends) in the way they romance and even in the way the act 'silly' at times.

Women DO have a macho or a rough side, seen when she really wants to achieve and will stop at nothing or even when she 'wears the pants in the house' (for matriarchs) and push for their families' survival. I have accepted the fact and continue to see it constantly.

It's so ironic, though, that if a man cannot treat a woman right, how then will he treat his mother or daughter, let alone if he has a male best friend with whom he has to be open to and show genuine emotions?

Will he become a shell of a man and live alone, unable to deal with even his own sex, let alone his mate? How then can he be accountable (which is best done with someone of the same sex)?

The onus is on each person to understand this concept and apply it so that conflicts can be resolved sooner, wounds can be healed, and true growth and love be seen in both gender.

Then and only then can we seek to fulfil our God-given potential as partners for life.

I am, etc.,

SHANE G. BENNETT

shanebennett@gmail.com