When I took tai chi, our male teacher pointed out that this indicates that although we need both Yin and Yang for balance, in the end, Yin is more powerful. I believe this is what Verse 28 means about knowing the male but keeping to the female. It's not so much about gender (which is after all, a social construct that is different from culture to culture) but about Yin and Yang traits.

And to that end, knowing that we are in this together and taking responsibility for the parts that are ours is crucial to improving any kind of interpersonal interaction. I love that you are embracing that and both standing firm, and being gracious and understanding too.