Consequences of Not Listening

As men we tend to settle for shallow relationships with our partner (and others for that matter) so we end up with a marriage that is far from fulfilling. In our clumsy (or absent) expression of our needs, we get angry or resentful that our needs are not being met, that she is withholding granting of our needs. It may seem this is a deliberate action on her part, but the fact is we are expecting her to read our mind and respond to our needs--even though we haven't voiced them! Sadly at the same time we may be failing to provide her with what would make her feel valued in the relationship and so a downward spiral begins which detours through a counselor's office on the way to divorce court. How much simpler and more fulfilling life could be if we could truly learn to listen empathically to each other!