Boys and girls think pretty differently, as I'm sure we have all discovered over time. How many times have you sat around with your friends wondering why that guy doesn't understand that telling you another girl is pretty is just not what you want to hear, even if they do think it's true? Or how many times have you been out with your friends, confused about why she told you to do what you want but got mad when you did? Girls and guys have different mindsets, but that's just the way we're made. Even though we think differently though, it doesn't mean that we can dismiss how the opposite gender is thinking. It doesn't mean that we shouldn't strive to understand, because when it comes down to it, at least trying to understand better will incredibly helpful to your relationship as opposed to dismissing them just because you don't get it.

I'm not a guy, so I'm not sure I can give the ladies any advice that is one hundred percent accurate, although there are things that I have learned about the way guys think and are wired over time. However, I can give the fellas out there a little insight into what goes on inside a girl's head when they say certain things or act a certain way, so here it goes.

1. "Do what you want."

Do what you want usually means that the girl doesn't approve of what you're doing. She has voiced her opinion, and she hopes that you will take it into account when making a decision. In the end, I'm sure she is hoping that you choose what she is hoping you will. However, how healthy this is is definitely dependent on the scenario. If you are with her when the boys text to hang out, and you want to go but she tells you to do what you want, odds are best if you choose not to hang out with them. For one thing, it would be pretty rude to stop hanging out with someone you have plans with just because new plans came up.

However, if you don't have prior plans with your lady, and you bring it up, perhaps she was hoping you would make plans with her and was waiting for you to mention it. In this case, make future plans with her, let her know what you guys will be doing (mostly because I'm sure it will ease her mind), and tell her you miss her.

Finally, if she gets mad any time you hang out with your friends, regardless of how much you reassure her or already hang out with her, that's a little bit unhealthy and controlling. Your friendships with others are important, and you shouldn't feel bad for hanging out with them every once in a while. Plus, she shouldn't make you feel bad for that. As long as you're understanding the balance and keeping her in the loop and assured, she shouldn't have a problem with it.

2. Show her off

There is not a single girl in the world who does not want to be shown off. We want to know you're proud to have us. Whether that be a cute Instagram post every once in a while or a picture on your Snapchat story or knowing that you talk to your friends about us, we love it. Sometimes it's not a guy's forte to show off their girl on social media, and often the rebuttal for that is that a relationship isn't based on social media. In that point, you're exactly right. It shouldn't be. However, you are only doing good in making a post about your significant other, even if it's only every once in a while. If it's going to make your significant other happy, then sometimes you just have to suck it up, swallow your pride, and do it.

That last sentence is true across the board, in this situation and in all of the relationship, so make sure you've got it.

If something is going to make your significant other happy, even if you don't like it or agree with it yourself, then sometimes you just have to suck it up, swallow your pride, and do it.

3. Small gestures

It doesn't take a whole lot to make a girl happy. I mean, look at our Twitters or social media. Half the stuff we like is indicative of what we want, the things we like, ideas for gifts, and more. It's literally laid out and spelled out exactly for you to use, so use it. I'm not saying you have to spend a ton of money on grand gestures consistently, but if you did, I'm sure she would appreciate it. Planning out a creative date even when you hate planning things, buying her a bouquet of her favorite flowers just because one day, or even helping to care for her on a day that she isn't feeling her best are all good ways to show through a small gesture just how much she means to you.

4. Qualities

This sounds vague, but there are just a few points I wanted to make that could really only be encompassed in this term. Girls want someone they can trust wholeheartedly. This means that when you guys have an issue, it's resolved between the two of you. No one wants someone that's going to run off and bad mouth them to their friends as soon as things go bad. If the two of you can't resolve it yourselves, maybe you can agree to bring someone else in to help, but otherwise, it's a bit insensitive to tell your friends everything that your significant other does wrong or any concern you have. Not only that, but how does it resolve any problems you have to talk to people who can't change the situation and not talk to the one person who can?

Furthermore, trust also means that she can tell you anything without being judged and without the concern that you might tell someone else. Everyone wants to be able to fully depend on someone else, especially their significant other. It's incredible to know that you can be fully known and still fully loved and accepted without any conditions or hidden agendas.

5. Prioritizing

Girls want to know that they're a priority to you because you care about them. We want to know that yes, you DO want us going because you DO want to hang out with us. We want to know that we're important to you. We don't want to be brushed off. That means we don't want you canceling plans on us, hanging out with other people when you had plans with us, not replying when we need to talk about something. If you don't like texting a ton, then make an effort to at least send a good morning and goodnight message. Make that clear from the start so that when you stop doing it later on since you never liked it in the first place, we don't get confused on why you switched up on us. Stay consistent. Make us feel important. To do that, you have to convey that we are a priority to you.

6. Communication

This is a given because it's so important for a healthy relationship to work smoothly, but it's important to express it anyways. If you can't talk for the day, let her know ahead of time. If you don't like a certain thing that is happening, communicate it. If you guys disagree on something, find middle ground. Don't be stubborn. At least try to compromise. Tell her how you feel about her. Tell her when you like something she does or if you find a quirk of hers endearing. Just make sure you're communicating with her.

7. Defend her

Hopefully, it doesn't come down to it, but don't let anyone talk about your girl. Defend her and her integrity. Don't share what you're doing, if you're doing anything at all. Don't entertain locker room talk. Don't let anyone mess with her or trash her. That's your girl.

There are a ton of other things that girls want, but I think that pretty well covers the basic ground. If you want to learn more, or have questions, reach out to one of your girl friends. Actually try to understand the responses they give and put yourself in their shoes. Some things may take some time to understand, and sometimes you may not understand them, but at least acknowledge them and try to be aware of them. Some girls have different expectations than others, so it's important to communicate effectively so you know what they look for. Not understanding is not an excuse. Good luck with your future girl!