Women and men have different needs when it comes to communication with each other. Most of the time, the woman’s need is stronger to want to exchange ideas. She speaks a sympathetic ear and understanding. Men then feel called upon to find a solution, while they themselves tend to resolve conflicts alone and therefore withdraw. As a result, the partner often feels excluded and threatened. 

Relationship problems occur when one partner expects the other one to have the same needs. Normally, one wants to talk about problems and the other one not at all. A misunderstanding is therefore preprogrammed and can strain a relationship to the point of breakdown.