*This is not a sponsored post. All opinions and content belong to jenny at dapperhouse.

Midlife crisis affects everyone differently but it touches men and women alike. Humans are constantly changing throughout stages of life and midlife is a big one. Some of the stereo types about midlife crisis are justifiably true and some only affect certain personality types in varying degrees. While some people might get a new lease on life through fitness or a hobby, others might turn to more destructive behaviors. One thing for sure though is that everyone will deal  with midlife crisis in some way or another. Here are ways in which men and women both differ and share characteristics of a midlife crisis.

Men vs. Women Differences and Similarities of a Midlife Crisis - jenny at dapperhouse
Signs

Signs of a midlife crisis are important to recognize, these are the first clues as to what is happening, and a warning that you should try and help your significant other. These signs as well as when they begin vary for men and women.
Men: Signs for men include things such as caring more about how they look and trying to look younger. They can purchase large or expensive items that make them feel youthful or powerful. Men can have varied temperaments that can include being quick tempered or brooding. Men will go through a midlife crisis between the age of 40 and 60.
Women: Signs for women include things such as questioning their career choices to trying to change things drastically from their lifestyle to their hairstyle.Women can become depressed or detached. Women will go through a midlife crisis around their late 30s or late 40s.
Emotions

Emotions are very important during this time in a person’s life, no matter if it’s a man or a woman. They are going to feel stressed and overwhelmed, and it’s important to notice that.
Men: Men will seem to have short fuses, temperaments will change and they may get angry faster. This is because they are trying to deal with emotions that they are not willing to come to terms with yet. They are aging, and want to make sure that they are happy, but often times don’t know how to make that happen and struggle to express their emotions to others or those that could help.
Women: Women are very different when it comes to emotions. During a midlife crisis they will want to make big decisions, sometimes changing careers or moving to a new home or city, but in contrast to men, they will express their emotions. In fact, they will seem extra emotional during this time, and may want help in making these decisions from their significant others.
Support

No matter if you are a man, or a woman, support is key when you or someone close to you is going through a rough patch during a midlife crisis.
Men: Men need someone to talk to, they often times will not willingly open up, so sitting down and having small conversations about what is going on might be best. Talk about making plans to do new things together over the next few months, this can help them determine how they feel, and how they can get back to feeling happy. You will need to be aware that your husband might want to make a large purchases. If it is not harming your finances or marriage, you might be at a point in life where buying a new car is fun for both of you. Going on a vacation might do you some good. Moving somewhere new might spice up life. These are all big decisions, but that doesn’t mean that they have to be negative.
Women: Women tend to be more emotionally savvy than men, but during a midlife crisis women can go above and beyond what is considered “normal”. They might be making big life decisions such as changing careers, or wanting to move somewhere new. Help them along their new journey by listening and considering their needs. Find ways to support them while finding ways to get connected on new ideas and adventures. Change can be scary for many men but it can also be a great adventure. Honor your wife’s ideas and feelings by listening and understanding.

If you take a look at a midlife crisis for both men and women, the bottom line is the similarity to reclaim youth and make changes to the current situation. By supporting each other and making big decisions together during the differences, you can move forward as a couple in new, exciting and interesting ways! Be open to each other’s ideas. Be sensitive of feelings and needs. Don’t judge or condemn, but try to work out solutions that can fit your lives, your budget and your goals in life.

Look for more similarities than differences.