Summary

Baker begins this chapter with a research-based reference to how men and women respond to stress differently because of the different chemicals are released in male and female brains when stress is encountered. Women’s brains, he says, release a hormone that triggers bonding and connection, qualities that he says women draw upon to survive, and maintain safety. Men’s brains, he adds, release hormones that trigger confrontation and / or escape. He then says he included this data to illustrate how he and his wife approached the question of the author going to visit Rory – the author thought Rory needed “a slap on the head” for leaving town without telling him, while his wife thought Rory “needed a hug and a friend to talk to” (25).

Baker then describes his affection for what he describes as the big romantic gesture in so many movies...