The Selfish Gender

Book excerpt: How universal is selfishness? Is either gender more selfish than the other? Are some people born more selfish, or are they simply conditioned and allowed to be more self-assertive?Observing private relationships of average couples with the aspect of selfishness in mind can be quite a revelation. Just look at couples' lifestyles, the way they share chores, and their attitudes toward sex, parenting, or finances. Could it be that some familial traditions or habits have stuck simply because they are more comfortable for the more selfish?The Selfish Gender looks at these issues from many aspects. In fact, it is like a mirror—especially in that sometimes mirrors show us things we'd rather not know. It's not easy to realize that you are not as equal in your relationship as you might have thought. Consider this book a good friend who finally gathered the confidence to tell you what your relationship and the way you behave with your partner look like from the outside.Your first reaction is likely to be denial, even if you recognize yourself in some stories. It takes time for the bad news to sink in. But it gets better because—no matter how slowly—you will be able to improve your relationship.