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"Why Men Don't Talk" - from Men's Health - 12/19/2007 10:50:09 AM   
Vendaval


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From Men's Health
Dave Zinczenko's Myseries of the Sexes Explained
 
Why Men Don't Talk

Posted Mon, Dec 17, 2007, 9:32 am PST

" As the editor of the biggest men's magazine in the world, I am privy to something many women rarely hear - straightforward, uninhibited guy talk.

Don't be so shocked - guys do actually talk, and not just about Tom Brady's quarterback rating. Most women think their man is the strong, silent type (or maybe the oblivious, silent type), and they wonder why he doesn't share his feelings.

But here's the truth: Men do want to open up, about their hopes, their fears, and their passions. Yet put him alone in a room with you, and he often turns into a Sphinx. Why can't he take his eyes off the TV and talk about the state of the relationship, or the finances, or, heck, the backyard landscaping? Why in the world can't he just summarize his day for 10 minutes?

In fact, one in five women say that they typically fight about a man's lack of verbal interaction, and 30 percent of men say their failure to communicate is the source of major conflict in the relationship. Why is it this way?

Here's one answer: Because even men who have feelings to share don't always feel comfortable sharing them with their partner. These are some of the reasons why some men often prefer to zip it, rather than delivering the goods:

Guys Are A Little Intimidated
No question, women are expert communicators. They throw questions like Oprah after her third cup of coffee; they're connecting on all cylinders. And like the divine Ms. W, women bring a lot of skill to their game: A special awareness of the people-scape around them, a keen set of emotions keyed to that awareness, and a rich vocabulary they use to talk about anything at anytime.

And they're always practicing their Q&A skills on their many friends, so they're in top talk mode all the time. Men know this. And they also know that more than one-third of women say that men simply can't relate and don't understand women. The result: Men are afraid of saying too much, because saying the wrong thing may get them into more trouble than Lindsay Lohan as a designated driver.

Guys Need To Decompress
Woman's view: When a man walks in the door, he ought to cough up some of the details about his day. After all, it's been 10 hours since they've communicated, not counting the two IMs, three voice mails, and one actual mid-day conversation.
Man's view: Can I please make a beeline to the bathroom? When men reach home, it's like those ultra-marathoners staggering across the finish line in Death Valley. The last thing they want to do is discuss how bright the sunlight was, and how scarce the water stops were.

Further up on his want-to-do list after arriving home: 14 percent of men want to check email, 12 percent are looking for a little private time in the bathroom, and 10 percent simply want to eat dinner. The common theme here: After they've spent a day serving the needs of others, they want to take care of themselves a little.

So when a man is hit with a demand for conversation so closely after returning from the stressful environment of work, he has only one gear left to shift into, and sometimes it's reverse. He's retreat, retreat, retreat.

Guys Are More Comfortable With Actions Than Feelings
Rather than talking about how he "feels," often a man would rather express his love by changing her oil, or bringing home a flower, or relinquishing control of the remote.

And when men do talk, they'd prefer to talk about actions rather than emotions. For instance, a lot of guys would choose to express their long-range faith in a relationship by talking about next summer's vacation plans, not by launching into a soliloquy about undying love.

Both conversations can mean the same thing (that he plans on sticking around); he just prefers to say it with plane tickets, rather than poetry. It's one of the reasons men are more comfortable talking at work (the practical universe) than they are at home (the castle that emotion built). But you can bring out his great communicator by making him feel more like he's operating in work mode, even when the topic at hand is your love life. Here's an incredible article, "The Home Office," that shows how he can use his best office skills for great success at home.

Guys Don't Want To Be Put On The Spot
When men talk less and women want more, the scenario can escalate. Like when the bad cop is pummeling the reluctant witness, more silence equals more questions. A full 65 percent of men we surveyed recently told us they don't want their partners to ask them more questions about themselves.

It's clear that some men are just plain tired of feeling like they're on the witness stand. They're not necessarily hiding anything; many guys simply prefer not to have to relate confusing feelings that they may not even understand themselves.

An age-old tactic can make things better: Back off a little, give him room to operate in a conversation, and he's more likely to open up. "

http://health.yahoo.com/experts/menlovesex/73762/why-men-don-t-talk/

_____________________________

"Beware, the woods at night, beware the lunar light.
So in this gray haze we'll be meating again, and on that
great day, I will tease you all the same."
"WOLF MOON", OCTOBER RUST, TYPE O NEGATIVE


http://KinkMeet.co.uk
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RE: "Why Men Don't Talk" - from Men's Health - 12/19/2007 10:58:34 AM   
Stephann


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A lot of this stuff is really good (which, in itself, is unusual.)

When I get home from work, I'm usually tired, frustrated, and need time to decompress.  I'm also usually hungry.  When I'm hungry, I'm cranky; my blood sugar is low, my stomach is hurting, and often it's from being too busy doing things on my lunch hour for other people and not having time to eat my own meal (or worse, eating something crappy that is bad for me, and not filling.)  Any kind of important, emotionally charged conversation at 6pm when I haven't eaten all day is Nitroglycerin; my girls know they'll get a reaction all right, it just won't be the loving, supportive reaction they need.  And this is coming from a man who, in most situations, is actually a pretty good communicator.

On that topic, I disagree with the articles concept on 'good communicator.'  A good communicator isn't someone who is good at putting their point forward; a good communicator is someone who can draw the actual thoughts and intentions out of the other person.  charlotte isn't the best at communicating her feelings and thoughts, so I've learned how to ask the right questions and read between the words when she answers.  I feel terrible, but I often give her words that I think she's searching for and it helps her to make her feelings clear to me.

So, ladies (and gentlemen) who communicate well; it's certainly important to express how you feel.  It's equally important to create an environment where your partner feels safe expressing how they feel.  If you're not doing your best to let your partner express themselves, in their time and way, then you're simply making it harder for them to talk.

Stephan


_____________________________

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RE: "Why Men Don't Talk" - from Men's Health - 12/19/2007 11:00:59 AM   
sexyred1


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for once I really agree with an article! and just a little note to the men:

when a woman tells you her problem, don't feel you have to fix it; sometimes we just want someone to listen and nod. alot of men, when hearing about an issue, jump to immediately resolve it, and women get upset. they get upset because they just wanted someone to hear them out. usually the woman knows what needs to be done.

except for car stuff...and computer stuff....and technical stuff. that you can fix for me.

< Message edited by sexyred1 -- 12/19/2007 11:03:42 AM >

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RE: "Why Men Don't Talk" - from Men's Health - 12/19/2007 11:04:31 AM   
KatyLied


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All I know is that sometimes I feel like an oral surgeon.  Suited up, medicating the patient, trying to pull the teeth. 
I live for the big secret, the tough reveal, the thing that will give me some sort of insight into the person.
Of course, I am plagued by the simple fact that I do think too much at times.  And I like holding onto the remote.  So if that's sign of "everything's okay" that works for me.


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RE: "Why Men Don't Talk" - from Men's Health - 12/19/2007 11:06:07 AM   
sexyred1


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I was once told that the worst thing you can ask a man is "what are you thinking about"?

On the other hand, men don't ask us that unless they think we are angry.

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RE: "Why Men Don't Talk" - from Men's Health - 12/19/2007 11:09:31 AM   
Jeffff


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I never ask that.if you want to tell me.....you'll tell me. And...I MUST have the remote!.
I agree with the article completlely........I live alone now, but when I lived with  people? We had more arguments in the first 5 min. after I came home than all other times put together

Jeff

And as for what we are thinking...you really don't want to know

< Message edited by Jeffff -- 12/19/2007 11:12:24 AM >

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RE: "Why Men Don't Talk" - from Men's Health - 12/19/2007 11:13:31 AM   
KatyLied


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quote:

I was once told that the worst thing you can ask a man is "what are you thinking about"?


I do not ask a guy that question.  It isn't worth it.  The blank stare, the drool.    


_____________________________

“If you want to live a happy life, tie it to a goal, not to people or things.”
- Albert Einstein

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RE: "Why Men Don't Talk" - from Men's Health - 12/20/2007 8:26:48 PM   
Vendaval


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General reply -
 
I very much dislike having to answer a barrage of question upon waking or when coming in from work/school.  Until I have a chance to relax, eat and decompress, conversation will most likely be terse or grumpy.  Actions do speak louder than words, doing what needs to be done for the household to run smoothly and everyone to feel comfortable are wonderful qualities.  And good communication must go both ways, one needs to listen to others and express one's own thoughts well.

_____________________________

"Beware, the woods at night, beware the lunar light.
So in this gray haze we'll be meating again, and on that
great day, I will tease you all the same."
"WOLF MOON", OCTOBER RUST, TYPE O NEGATIVE


http://KinkMeet.co.uk

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RE: "Why Men Don't Talk" - from Men's Health - 12/20/2007 9:06:39 PM   
Misstoyou


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quote:

ORIGINAL: Vendaval

From Men's Health
Dave Zinczenko's Myseries of the Sexes Explained

Why Men Don't Talk

Posted Mon, Dec 17, 2007, 9:32 am PST

" As the editor of the biggest men's magazine in the world, I am privy to something many women rarely hear - straightforward, uninhibited guy talk...



As an aside, I LOVE reading this magazine (and really like the submissive who turned me on to it. )


_____________________________

~ Miss Marie

a.k.a. "mean Lady"


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RE: "Why Men Don't Talk" - from Men's Health - 12/20/2007 10:15:22 PM   
petdave


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quote:

ORIGINAL: sexyred1

I was once told that the worst thing you can ask a man is "what are you thinking about"?


It's a wasted question. The real, honest answer is always "Oh, shit, what does she want me to tell her now??" Much better to save time and just bring up whatever's actually on your mind.

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RE: "Why Men Don't Talk" - from Men's Health - 12/20/2007 10:23:41 PM   
Marc2b


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.

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RE: "Why Men Don't Talk" - from Men's Health - 12/20/2007 10:53:52 PM   
CuriousLord


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It's pretty straightforward, in M/s, to just tell your slave to be quiet, change subject, or anything else.

Problem solved.

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RE: "Why Men Don't Talk" - from Men's Health - 12/21/2007 2:44:35 AM   
Level


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quote:

ORIGINAL: sexyred1

for once I really agree with an article! and just a little note to the men:

when a woman tells you her problem, don't feel you have to fix it; sometimes we just want someone to listen and nod. alot of men, when hearing about an issue, jump to immediately resolve it, and women get upset. they get upset because they just wanted someone to hear them out.


To tell a man to "don't feel you have to fix it" is about as realistic, or effective, as telling a woman to not talk about her feelings. It goes against the grain, pretty much.

_____________________________

Fake the heat and scratch the itch
Skinned up knees and salty lips
Let go it's harder holding on
One more trip and I'll be gone

~~ Stone Temple Pilots

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RE: "Why Men Don't Talk" - from Men's Health - 12/21/2007 2:45:48 AM   
Level


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quote:

ORIGINAL: KatyLied

All I know is that sometimes I feel like an oral surgeon.  Suited up, medicating the patient, trying to pull the teeth. 
I live for the big secret, the tough reveal, the thing that will give me some sort of insight into the person.
Of course, I am plagued by the simple fact that I do think too much at times.  And I like holding onto the remote.  So if that's sign of "everything's okay" that works for me.



You will unhand the remote. Again, don't fight nature.

_____________________________

Fake the heat and scratch the itch
Skinned up knees and salty lips
Let go it's harder holding on
One more trip and I'll be gone

~~ Stone Temple Pilots

(in reply to KatyLied)
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RE: "Why Men Don't Talk" - from Men's Health - 12/21/2007 2:47:46 AM   
Level


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quote:

ORIGINAL: Vendaval

General reply -
 
I very much dislike having to answer a barrage of question upon waking or when coming in from work/school.  Until I have a chance to relax, eat and decompress, conversation will most likely be terse or grumpy.  Actions do speak louder than words, doing what needs to be done for the household to run smoothly and everyone to feel comfortable are wonderful qualities.  And good communication must go both ways, one needs to listen to others and express one's own thoughts well.


Excellent post, Vendaval.

_____________________________

Fake the heat and scratch the itch
Skinned up knees and salty lips
Let go it's harder holding on
One more trip and I'll be gone

~~ Stone Temple Pilots

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RE: "Why Men Don't Talk" - from Men's Health - 12/21/2007 3:56:48 AM   
Zensee


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quote:

ORIGINAL: Marc2b




.


Exactly!

< Message edited by Zensee -- 12/21/2007 3:57:08 AM >


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RE: "Why Men Don't Talk" - from Men's Health - 12/21/2007 5:43:58 AM   
DesFIP


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quote:

ORIGINAL: CuriousLord

It's pretty straightforward, in M/s, to just tell your slave to be quiet, change subject, or anything else.

Problem solved.


Solves the problem of you having to talk to someone by not having anyone there anymore who needs to talk with you.

Overkill in my book though.

My biggest pet peeve is men don't look at you when they talk. They talk easier if you're sitting next to them on a bar stool staring straight ahead, sitting next to them in a car staring straight ahead. But no eye contact and no physical contact. And that doesn't work for me.

_____________________________

Slave to laundry

Cynical and proud of it!


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RE: "Why Men Don't Talk" - from Men's Health - 12/21/2007 6:36:16 AM   
TankII7871


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To borrow from one of the smartest men alive today Jeff Foxworthy  " what are men thinking?  I want a beer and i want to see someone naked"

Eric

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RE: "Why Men Don't Talk" - from Men's Health - 12/21/2007 6:38:23 AM   
DMFParadox


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quote:

quote: KatyLied

All I know is that sometimes I feel like an oral surgeon.  Suited up, medicating the patient, trying to pull the teeth. 
I live for the big secret, the tough reveal, the thing that will give me some sort of insight into the person.


A commendable trait in a reporter or psychologist.  In my life partner, slave or otherwise, such an attitude would have me running for the door and not looking back.  If you feel like you're pulling my teeth, then you're probably right.  Stop.  Or you'll have a very unhappy conversation, even--especially--if the 'secret' is perfectly harmless.  A man's got to keep a little mystery about him, after all.

_____________________________

bloody hell, get me some aspirin and a whiskey straight

"The role of gender in society is the most complicated thing I’ve ever spent a lot of time learning about, and I’ve spent a lot of time learning about quantum mechanics." - Randall Munroe

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RE: "Why Men Don't Talk" - from Men's Health - 12/21/2007 8:26:05 AM   
petdave


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quote:

ORIGINAL: Marc2b

.


*nod*

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