Understanding men and women

There are two books that influenced my view of men and of women.  Both are written by the psychologist Robert A. Johnson.  One is “He: Understanding Male Psychology”(1974) and the other is “She: Understanding Female Psychology” (1977).  Johnson was a Jungian and they specialize in using old myths and stories to understand long-time ideas.  The Male book says that it works well to picture the life of a young man as a quest, a search such as a young man looking for adventure, a chance to “prove” himself and be a hero.  The Female book says it helps to picture the life of a young woman who met and charmed a man that she desires to partner with.  They start courting but (there is often a “but”) the man’s mother is not eager to let the questionable girl steal her beloved son.  That determined, honorable and intelligent girl must accomplish some challenging tasks his mother wants done.  In the long run, the fable says the girl impresses his mother and all is good.