So She Wants To Talk

Dear Suze Q. I’m a slow learner, apparently. My 2nd wife says she wants to talk, so we do. I tell her how to fix it and she’s angry. She says she doesn’t like me placating her. I ask what she wants and she clams up. I’m thinking of becoming an alcoholic. 

Dear Slow, When women say they want to talk, that’s what they mean. They -want to talk, and they -want you to listen. To nod and agree in the right places, to ask how to help, ask what she needs, ask how she feels about it. A commiserator in arms. DON’T solve the problem. Read the priceless primer: Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus. -SQ