Now when woman make these complaints they're expecting a style of communication similar to the ones they have with their girlfriends.
Let's say, for example, you've had an argument with your mother. Now you can probably spend hours rehashing the details of this argument with your girlfriend. And she'll listen patiently without judging you or attempting to fix the problem. She'll probably say soothing things like "Oh you poor thing! That must have made you feel terrible" or "Mmm....So what did you say to her?" and so on.
But if you try to have the very same conversation with your husband he'll probably say something like "Well, if your mother bothers you so much, stop talking to her so often" or "Just overlook it." Not quite the reaction you were looking for, right?
Or how about when you want to buy a new dress or change your hairstyle. Your girlfriend will probably ooh and aah and discuss the intricacies of it with you. She'll probably say "The way the fabric flows makes you look slimmer" or "That haircut really brings out your eyes."
Ask your husband what he thinks about your new dress or hairstyle and he's likely to respond with a one word syllable "Nice".
What's wrong with men? Nothing. They are simply wired differently and communicate in a very different way from what you may be used to.
Men seldom like to discuss things in great detail (unless it's the latest football match) and are more action oriented. Women, on the other hand, take great delight in discussing anything and everything in great detail, and are far more verbal.
So how do you communicate with your husband?
Here are a few tips to help improve the communication between the two of you.
1. Don't expect him to be your girlfriend. If you want to vent to just want someone to listen, you'll be better off calling a girlfriend. Or tell your husband "Honey, I just want you to listen to me. I'm not ready for any solutions or advice yet."
2. Tell him clearly what you want. Forget about dropping subtle hints or expecting him to read your mind. It doesn't work.
3. Keep it short and sweet. Cut out all the lengthy descriptions and details and cut to the chase. If you don't he'll probably tune you out before you tell him the what's really important.
