Author John Gray coined the metaphor “Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus” in his 1992 bestselling book as a way to explain the vastly different communication styles men and women typically deploy.

New polling suggests the divide extends to politics as well.

A new NBC News Decision Desk poll found a stark partisan divide between men and women ages 18 to 29.

The poll asked these Gen Z adults what they believe makes for a successful life, giving them 13 options to rank.

Across all men and women polled, there was consensus: First, having a job or career you find fulfilling. Second, having enough money to do the things you want to do. Third, achieving financial independence.

Here’s one interesting and hopeful thing we noted: Despite Gen Z being the first generation to grow up with the internet, social media and smartphones, men and women across the political spectrum in this cohort ranked “fame and influence” last when considering what makes for a successful life. Good for them.

The answers, once sorted by gender and politics, however, painted two very different pictures.

Women who voted for Kamala Harris ranked being married and having children second- and third-to-last, respectively. Men who voted for Donald Trump said having children is the most important component of a life well lived; marriage ranked fourth.

Gen Z men are increasingly conservative, while Gen Z women are becoming more progressive. This growing divide has fueled an interesting narrative. The worry follows: If this gap persists, could it strain not only politics — but personal relationships, too? Fears of a complete population collapse abound in some corners of the internet.

We say: Let’s wait and see. The members of this board were once 20-somethings, too, navigating ambition, identity and external pressures. These impulses shape us all, and versions of this generational tension have appeared across the decades. And the gender gap isn’t novel.

The ebb and flow of public opinion often coincides with major life changes: entering the workforce, starting families, managing bills. These forces can realign priorities and soften ideological extremes. So let’s not rush to despair over the future when our history shows generational or gender gaps often converge over time.

Mars and Venus have coexisted — sometimes awkwardly, sometimes harmoniously — for generations. If history is any guide, they’ll find a way on this one too.

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