Let's agree to disagree: Women like men who put their foot down

The "yes, dear" approach may work in the first few years of courtship, but if you truly want to be partners with a woman, you need to stand your ground like a gent:

What do you disagree with?

The most common mistake that men make when disagreeing with what a woman has to say is that they tend to disagree with her rather than her thoughts. Confused? Basically, if you disagree with a woman, don't rattle off the statement, "You don't know what you are talking about," but opt for something that's not so finger-pointing such as, "That's a view that I do not share." This way, you're opposing her idea, not her. And opposing views can actually lead to a more insightful conversation rather than a superiority contest.

Remember it's not fact

Most factual disagreements are short-lived because well, there are facts to prove who is right and who is wrong. However, differences of opinion, whether work-related or a personal issue, are a little more complicated. But this is what you need to remember when arguing — you have your opinion, so state it as that, not a fact. Just because you are on opposing sides doesn't make either of you wrong or right. Always respect someone's opinion, even if it is the opposite of yours.

Watch your tone

Just because you are disagreeing doesn't mean you have to be disagreeable. That means no raising your voice, no cutting her off midsentence, no eyerolling and most of all, no name calling. No, not even in your head if you're a real gent. Men and women could actually both learn from arguing if they approached it differently. If you refrain from raising your voice and actually listen, you will go away feeling refreshed rather than frustrated.

Words matter

When you are arguing with someone, things can escalate quickly. So much so that at times, all the both of you are doing is accusing and pointing fingers. And one major flaw is beginning sentences with "You never" or "You always." First, avoid using the word 'you' because that feels like a direct attack. Second, refrain from using such absolute words because it actually makes you look petty.

Never end on a bad note

The key to arguing like a gent is to remember at all times that you are a gent and to know when to stop. Even if the disagreement has been going on for hours, if there is no outcome that is mutually acceptable, then say that you should agree to disagree and switch to a more agreeable topic. Go a step further and compliment something you took away from the discussion.