10 things about men

Man hugs
There's a very good reason why we girls hassle our men for a hug. Even our mums can't match the embrace of those big strong arms – nuzzling between chin and chest is just an added bonus.

They're big softies really
While we are well aware that they join in the boy talk down the pub, we can rest easy in the knowledge that they'll happily cuddle up on the sofa, get soppy over the kids and even sometimes shed a manly tear when they're safely behind closed doors.

Sex
We might not always match your libidos, boys, but no amount of battery-powered devices can replace the real thing.

They're practical
We're not talking sensible answers to emotional questions here, but when we're struggling to understand the finer points of glossing a door frame, our fellas are always on hand to show us how it's done. Plus there's something about tool belts…

Their sporting prowess
Even the least competitive among us would admit to a certain pride when our men take to the sporting field. The mud, the muscles, the growly teammate banter… but take note, boys – yabbering about the disgraceful refereeing or Wayne Rooney curling one in at the far post does not have the same effect.

They worry about us
Though they will happily while away evenings in the pub without so much as a phone call, the men folk just can't help but worry when the roles are reversed. From insisting that we get a taxi home to waiting up for us to walk through the door, it's times like these that remind us they don't have to say those three little words to show they care.

They get jealous
They might act like they're not bothered but it only takes an admiring eye or an overly friendly advance for our chaps to see green. And while we definitely don't want to see fisticuffs, a protective display of jealousy lets us know the flames of desire still burn brightly.

Unexpected romance
Even if you're man isn't the type to say 'I love you' at every turn, he might surprise you once every so often. And it's not the grand gestures or the Valentines cards but the odd fridge magnet message or buying your favourite choccy bar on his way home from work that puts a smile on your face.

They secretly like reality TV
He might spend weeks moaning about the upcoming series of the X Factor or Strictly but three weeks in and he'll give the game away by nonchalantly discussing the finer points of Ali Bastian's foxtrot or wondering who will sing what in big band week.

They love us whatever we look like
When the wobbly bits are hanging out, we've got puffy eyes and no make-up on (and hopefully when we're old and grey) our men still think we're sexy – and we love them for it.

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10 things we hate about men

Not listening
There you are chatting about your day and relaying the exact words of your bitchy manager when it suddenly dawns on you that, even though he is looking directly at you and nodding in agreement, he is in fact listening to The Simpsons on TV. It's the occasional smile at inappropriate moments that gives it away guys.

Endless mess
Even if you are not the house-proud type, the mess that your man leaves behind can be nothing short of extraordinary. Wrappers, socks, newspapers, used tissues – it's as if bins had never been invented.

The doing things badly trick
We ladies are all too familiar with the doing things badly trick. Whether it's bathing the kids, filling up the dishwasher or doing the weekly shop, the chances are your man will do his best to get it wrong, hoping for the inevitable 'I'll do it' - you've been rumbled chaps.

Just one last pint
While you're struggling with the kids, the washing and preparing the evening meal, your man will often take time for a little post-work relaxation at the pub. Which is fair enough – but believe him when he calls to say "I'm just having one more pint" and you're likely to be disappointed.

Farting
If you've been together for a while the days of holding in farts are probably long gone. But the male of the species doesn't just blow off indiscriminately, he laughs at his farts and worse still he laughs at farting on TV and in movies – it's only a matter of time before the fart machine comes out.

Looking for things
It seems quite amazing that man discovered anything. They huff and puff around the house searching for who knows what before eventually declaring that the item in question is nowhere to be found. Nowhere, that is, in plain sight – it seems the art of looking under or behind has completely passed them by.

One cup is never enough
Washing up is a chore that few women enjoy and it can seem like a never-ending task. But it is not helped by our man's insistence on using a new cup for every drink he makes. Take note chaps – using the same mug for your next cuppa won't kill you.

Practical solutions
Okay, so we know we're more emotional than our fellas, but must they always find a practical solution? Whether it's an argument with your best pal or a run-in with the boss, sympathy and agreement are all that's required.

Soaking the washing up
If you've finally managed to bribe your chap into washing up then you will no doubt be aware of the aftermath. While the crockery and cutlery will be spotlessly clean, those tough, dried-on shepherd's pie remains will be 'left to soak'. And by soak, he means left to lie in a pile of greasy, cold water until you can stand it no longer.

Back seat driving
Even if we're not the best drivers in the world, back seat driving only serves to make matters worse. From sharp intakes of breath to slamming on an invisible break pedal, it's no wonder we end up on the cautious side.