West Lafayette, IN -- Forget that hoo-haw about men being from Mars and women being from Venus. New research shows guys and gals are from the same planet after all.

Purdue University professor Erina MacGeorge's studies show that the differences between the sexes are too slight to conclude they come from different places emotionally, as Dr. John Gray does in his countless "Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus" books.

The professor says both men and women prefer the same way of comforting people: By "listening, sympathizing and giving advice."

Guys and gals also relate to their pals in similar ways, with the only difference being that men tend to give advice more often than women.

MacGeorge cautions against using the Mars-Venus method, saying it can actually harm relationships. She says the theory tells men that its OK to downplay problems and dismiss their feelings, but "this isn't what most men do, and it isn't good for either men or women."

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