12 Things Men and Women Need to Change in Their Communication Styles in Order to Understand Each Other Better
4. Women: Understand that men also enjoy some “quality me-time.”
Men are often accused of being uncommunicative or withdrawn, and on the surface, this may appear true. But women might have a lot to gain from understanding the reasons for this behavior.
If your man seems a little bit isolated, this likely means that he’s just taking a quick break from his problems. This mini-vacay may take on the form of a marathon of video games, watching TV, or reading. Don’t fret about it — just give him his space! And make sure to make him feel like everything is going to be alright by letting him know that you trust that he is on top of things.
5. Women: Try to be more clear about your intentions.
Women and men are different in how they say things to one and other. Women are a bit more indirect than men, tend to avoid direct accusations, and might prefer to launch indirect allegations instead.
So it might be best for women to be more precise with their man and for him to delve a bit deeper into what exactly they are actually discussing.
For example, she might not say, “I’m mad about what you said at dinner last night.” Instead, she might opt for a sarcastic remark such as, “Maybe you should think about being nicer during our dates.” When this happens, you might both be arguing about or defending different things.
6. Men: Make sure she knows you’re listening by giving feedback.
Partners differ in their communication styles via verbal responses, physical contact, and eye contact. Generally, men won’t place much stress on reaffirming his partner that he’s listening via eye contact or other verbal cues like, “aha… oh… well… yes…”. On the other hand, women place a strong emphasis on this constant feedback to assure themselves and those they’re speaking to that that both parties are engaged in the conversation. Humming might go a long way if you’re a guy!
7. Women: Try seeing a task as just a task.
Men: Add some romanticism into the task itself.
Women engage themselves by building trust first through talking and then participating in tasks together, that they will accomplish because of that trust. Men tend to dismiss this trust chat and instead rush straight into the mission of accomplishing a task. For example: If they need to work with their boss, they’ll do it even if they don’t like her.
Both parties stand to gain from taking a step back and seeing the way their significant other behaves, and always acting with additional empathy. They both may have the same objective in mind, but different ways and speeds of getting there!
8. Women: Understand that men often need to be doing something while they chat.
Men tend to communicate while doing, and the activity itself is central to fostering a feeling that they can open up emotionally. Meanwhile, women feel closer while speaking — they can go without the need for a secondary activity. Recognizing this may help women understand when their partner seeks to do something before, or even in the middle of, an argument. He might just be seeking out a better environment to discuss the issue, while she’s trying to discuss everything right now!
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