How can men and women communicate better with each other?
By Sandra Beckwith

Women complain that communicating with a man is like trying to talk to a tourist who doesn’t know your language. Eventually, you resort to sign language. Men complain that all women want to do is talk, talk, talk. Here are some ways both genders can improve how they communicate with the opposite sex.

Tips for women:

• Understand that men communicate to share information, not to establish relationships. This means a conversation with a man might not always be as satisfying as a conversation with a girlfriend.
• Don’t be frustrated when he’s not as interested in chatting as you are. Men tend to speak half as many words as women do on a daily basis.
• Try to talk less. Most men are bottom-line oriented and will be better listeners if you get to the point quicker.
• Be more direct in your communication. Men lose interest when you take a circuitous route to the point of your story.

Tips for men:

• Realize that women communicate to establish relationships, so they might be chattier and more personal in their conversation.
• Understand that not every question from a woman is a problem begging for a solution. Be certain she’s asked for your help before you jump in with help because sometimes, she just wants to blow off steam.
• Realize that it’s a fact of life that women use twice as many words as men do. Don’t be frustrated by it.
• Listen, listen, listen.
• Move beyond two-word answers and get chatty, especially on the phone. You’ll win her over for sure.