ABSTRACT
This chapter explores similarities and differences at an individual level from a psychoanalytic angle, taking into consideration a developmental perspective. It is generally accepted among psychoanalysts that the narrative of myths has very important aspects that are useful for the understanding of the unconscious phantasies of individuals in their emotional development. The chapter focuses on similarities and differences at a marital level, bringing together a psychoanalytic and systemic view. What emotions fuel one type of emotional reaction and what emotions fuel the other are very important to explore in terms of individual, marital, and possible family developments. It is also important to be aware that men and women are likely to develop different symptoms and emotional responses to similar stressful situations or traumas in their marital life or in their respective lives. This is due to the biological and psychological differences between them.
