Being ine of the best requiremnets for a good relationship, why does effective communication seem so difficult sometimes?

Whether you're trying to negotiate something as simple as who should do the dishes or something more delicate like trying to fix issues in the bedroom, knowing how to speak the same language as your partner is key. "Research from Loveology University shows that if men and women want to have a consistently successful relationship and live together in harmony, then they must learn to acknowledge, understand and celebrate their differences, not try to convert their partner to their way of thinking," says Goldstein.  

So while women like to talk, talk, talk, men would prefer to just get straight to the point. This difference in communication styles often leaves both sides feeling frustrated. Not ideal when you're trying to fix a problem! In the interests of better, more harmonious relationships, here are some tricks Goldstein suggests you try the next time you're trying to chat with your other half.

For women

Understand that men communicate to share information, not to establish relationships. For example, he might say something like: “Did you know there’s a new Indian Restaurant downtown? We must try it” and all he wants in response is, “Yes, good idea or let’s do it.” 

Men tend to speak half as many words as women do on a daily basis. This means a conversation with a man might not always be as satisfying as a conversation with a girlfriend so don’t be frustrated when he’s not as interested in chatting as you are. 

Try to talk less. Most men are bottom-line oriented and will be better listeners if you get to the point quicker. Example: “Honey, I need your help with the shopping today” is all he needs to hear as opposed to why you need his help or what you want to buy and where you want to shop. 

Be direct in your communication. Men lose interest when you take the long route to the point of your story. Example: I bought myself a new dress, do you want to see it on? As opposed to telling him where you bought it, why you bought it, how long it took you to buy it, and so on 

For men

Realise that women communicate to establish relationships. This means they might be chattier and more personal in their conversation than men. 

Sometimes all she wants is to vent. 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 

Understand women naturally talk more. Realise that it’s a fact of life that women use twice as many words as men do so just get used to it.