10 Keys to Talking to a Man (or a Boy)
The following are some keys to successfully communicating with males of all ages. A woman, with her communication skills, can be a big help to the males in her life by helping and guiding them to learn to communicate better instead of being agitated by his lack of skills in this area. Men communicate differently than women. If you try to talk with your man like you do your girlfriend’s you will both probably be disappointed and frustrated. However, if you remember these ten tips you will be cherished and appreciated by the males in your life.
GIVE HIM SPACE–One strategy that works well with men is to tell them something you want their feedback on and then ask them to think about it for a day before answering. It takes men longer than women to process information—especially emotions.
Key #2
SIMPLIFY–Learn to simplify the conversation. If you talk to your man like you do your girlfriends he will just stop listening. A male’s mind is wired to seek out and solve problems. Men have about a 30 second attention span. If you don’t get to the point by then their mind will start looking for other problems to solve. I tell moms to talk to their sons using “sound bite sized” sentences. For longer conversations see Key #7.
Key #3
ONE TOPIC AT A TIME PLEASE–Stick to one topic at a time and let a man know when you’re changing topics. Letting a man know when you are changing topics allows him to shut off that problem solving mode and be open to the new topic. The greatest gift my wife gave me and our son was to let us know when she was changing topics during a discussion. Now she says, “New topic!” whenever she changes subjects. It is a huge relief.
Key #4
BE CONSISTENT–Consistency is very important when communicating with men. Men generally cannot process more than one thing at a time. Men cannot read minds and they do poorly at reading between the lines. If you hint around hoping he’ll “get” it, you’re in for disappointment. Asking if he “Notices anything different about me,” after getting your hair done is like asking a baboon what day of the week it is. Better to say, “How do you like my new hairstyle?” We know how to answer that.
Key #5
LEARN HIS LANGUAGE–Men are much more literal in their conversations than women. When he asks you what is wrong and you say, “Nothing” he will likely take you at your word. Also, the word “Fine” used in a conversation generally has a different meaning to a man than a woman.
Key #6
GIVE HIM A PROBLEM TO SOLVE–Men love to problem-solve. Rather than nagging him about an issue that’s troubling you, say something like, “Honey, I have a problem that I’d really like to get your help with.” Then let him do it his way. Just because a man does something differently than a woman would does not make it wrong.
Key #7
GET PHYSICAL–Since men are action-oriented, go for a walk or hiking, play a round of golf, or even drive on a deserted highway together (so he’s not distracted by traffic) when you want to talk with your man. Physical activity allows his brain to process information and emotions easier.
Key #8
TIMING IS EVERYTHING–If you bombard him with complaints the minute he walks in the door from work, he’s not likely to be willing to listen. Oftentimes, giving him a half-hour to change clothes and decompress will do the trick. Then see Key #6.
Key #9
FIGHT FAIR–Men and women argue differently. You cannot take to heart much of what a man verbalizes when he is upset. He doesn’t think about what comes out of his mouth, especially in the heat of the moment. Unfortunately for men, women do. That’s why men are always apologizing.
Key #10
SPEAK PLAINLY–Remind him often that you just need to be heard, you are not looking for a solution. Tell him that at the beginning of the discussion so that he can switch off his “problem-solving” mode. This may need to be repeated frequently during each discussion for years on end. His desire is to show his love for you by solving your problems. He doesn’t know that women process information, emotions, and draw intimacy through verbal communication (in fact it sounds silly to me even writing it). Hence he doesn’t understand that by just listening, he is solving your problems and showing he loves you.
by Rick Johnson
