Linda, in my mind, too much has been made of the current competitive nature of the relationship between the genders.  This sense of competition has come almost entirely from women.  Perhaps this was necessary in order to achieve the significant gains that women have achieved over the last generation or so.

It is perhaps easy for me as a man to pontificate on this subject, but women and society as a whole would benefit it we all relaxed a little bit, and took the long view of things.  Women seem to be so obsessed with proving that they are equal, or perhaps even better than men.  This has caused them to take on more than they should have to handle.

In this quest for “equality” we overlook the obvious fact that men and women are different and each have, collectively speaking,  their strengths and weaknesses.  For some, to me mysterious reason,  this plain statement of obvious fact has aroused accusations of misogyny from some women.   You cite a good example when you state that men are stronger but women are more adept at using wile and guile to get what they want. 

The point that I am really trying to get to is that rather than getting all caught up in the competitive game,  women and men should follow their instincts and natural inclinations to do what they are most interested in and in doing so complement one another for the greater good of society.  If that means conceding that higher math is not your cup of tea, focus instead on artistic endeavors and open the mind of your football obsessed husband or boyfriend to the beauties of impressionist paintings or a Mozart violin concerto.  Conversely, be open to the male in your life and allow him to explain what is so great about football,  you might end up developing an appreciation for it also.  If we can replace the current tension and acrimony with harmony,  we would all gain.

(Just for the record, my wife and I are both equally enthusiastic about football, and I am the one who usually suggests going to a violin concert)