How to Communicate with Women

Healthy communication can lead to a better, more satisfying relationship.

When it comes to relationships or marriages, each couple has its own set of challenges to overcome. But in one way or another, many of these obstacles boil down to poor communication between partners. Men and women communicate in different ways, and prioritize different types of communication. While each situation is different, communicating effectively with the woman in your life can help smooth over a relationship's rough patches and make the good times even better.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

1. Devote time to the conversation or the activity at hand. Taking interest in something is actually a form of communication. If you barely pay attention to a conversation or half-heartedly partake in an activity, you communicate disinterest. Conversely, fully participating in a talk or shared activity conveys enthusiasm about what you're doing and shows respect for her.

2. Look for non-verbal cues. Men often take things at face value: if a woman does not say outright that she is upset, she is not upset. That mentality can turn her minor annoyance into a major issue when she believes you don't care about her feelings or point of view. Non-verbal cues such as defensive or hostile body language, hand gestures and her facial expression can tell you when she's displeased, even if she doesn't say it. Responding to that displeasure shows her that you care and leads to better communication about the issues and feelings in your relationship.

3. Listen as much as you talk. Many men mistake hearing for listening. To truly, actively listen, you need to pay attention to what she is saying, not simply nod at the appropriate points in the conversation. Verbal responses can be very helpful, but even if you don't say a word, most people can tell when someone is actively listening instead of just hearing. Like actively participating in a conversation, actively listening conveys respect and interest in her point of view.

4. Be direct and obvious when you say that you care about her. You may think that your spouse or girlfriend knows that you care about her. Maybe during the best of times she does, but when you're having a serious argument, that fact can get lost in the noise. Even if you are fighting, make your point and defend your view, if necessary, but follow it up by telling her that you still care about her. This practice improves communication by making the argument about the issue, not about her or the relationship.

References

• Corey Wayne: How to Communicate With Women Effectively
• Fear and Anxiety: Teaching Men How to Communicate With Women