The Difference Between Guys and Girls

We recently welcomed a new addition to the family (yes, vans have feelings, too) and the experience really highlighted the difference between guys and girls for me. I'm pretty sure it went something like this when we got to the dealership:

Courtney: I can't believe I'm shopping for a mini van! My chic days of riding in a sporty suv are over. I don't want to be a soccer mom yet:(
Carl: Man, think of all the space. Do you realize how many tools and building supplies I could fit in here. Not to mention, I could probably fit a whole basketball team in here for pickup games at church. Just...plain...awesome!
Then we realize the one we're looking at is the XLE Limited, Toyota Sienna's top of the line.
Courtney: Wow! This thing is fully loaded! Leather seats... I like. Okay, so maybe I COULD get used to a minivan.
Carl: Oh, crap. It's the expensive one. Yeah, I saw your eyes sparkle salesman. You try one move and I walk. Don't think I won't.
Of course, before we can even step in the car the features start exploding at us like fireworks on the fourth of July, the salesman, very carefully pointing each one out and the advantage it would give us. This is where the difference really started to set in.
Courtney: Oooh! The side mirror blinks when your turning, and they automatically dim when someone shines their brights.
Carl: Oh, boy here we go. How much do those cost to replace?! I'll bet a hundred bucks a pop, minimum.
Sensors for backing up...
Courtney: Perfect! I'll never hit anything ever again!
Carl: Is that a dent next to it?? Dumb things probably don't even work. There's another hundred bucks. I can already hear the mastercard commercial cueing: 'labor costs: $155... parts:$236...wife's happiness: priceless, no wait, make that $391 plus tax.' And we're not even in the dumb vehicle yet. Oh boy...
Built in window shades that roll up and attach at the top.
Courtney: I wouldn't have even thought of that! That's perfect for the kids in carseats on trips.
Carl: Window shades!?! Are you kidding!?? Completely unnecessary. I give 'em two weeks before the kids rip 'em off. $100...cha ching.
DVD Player and Flipdown screen.
Courtney: The perfect addition for the perfect trip:)
Carl: Yeah, right. I wonder how many quarters Emma Jane can fit in that little slot before I have to replace it. And I hate listening to a movie I can't even watch (signing time songs begin dancing through my head at this point...).
Heated seats.
Courtney: And I thought they couldn't do any better. This is better than coconut cream pie from Jim n' Nicks.
Carl: Please!?! The epitome of pointless! It doesn't even get cold enough here for seat warmers. There goes the kids (see link). I hate this van.
Oh yeah, and upgraded JBL sound system, complete with built in subwoofer in rear and midrange speakers in the dash.
Courtney: But... why?
Carl: Now that's what I'm talking about!!! Where do I sign.


Courtney and I always end up on the same page, but the book always reads way different to get there. We're both really happy we got the van. And we got a killer deal on it (yeah, that's right salesman!), so I listened to signing time the whole way home, in surround sound. So this is bliss!