A man asked his wife what she wanted for her birthday. She replied, “I’d love to be six again.” So, the morning of her birthday, he got her up bright and early and off they went to a local theme park. What a day! He put her on every ride in the park: the Death Slide, the Screaming Loop, the Wall of Fear everything!
Five hours later she staggered out of the park, her head reeling and stomach churning. At a fast-food chain, her husband ordered her a Super Double Bacon Greaseburger with mega-fries and a chocolate shake. Then it was off to a movie, the latest science fiction epic, with popcorn, sodas and candy. A fabulous adventure!
Finally they wobbled home and she collapsed in bed. The man leaned over and lovingly asked, “Well, dear, what was it like being six again?” She opened one eye and said, “You blockhead! I meant my dress size.”
Of course, the moral of our story is, “If a woman speaks and a man is there to hear her, he will probably still get it wrong.” The guy made extravagant, thoughtful plans to please his wife, but she had something else in mind.
So, dad, are you on the same wavelength with your wife? Healthy communication is the meat and potatoes of growing, healthy marriages, and is a big asset for parents working together to raise children.
Unlike the husband in the story today, it means we’re actively listening to determine what our wives really think and feel. And we’re attentive to the entire message, including tone of voice and gestures. One study found that spoken words account for only seven percent of what is being communicated. Voice inflections make up 38 percent, and body language makes up 55 percent. How many of us really tune in to those communication signals when our wives are talking?
Dad, there’s no need for wild goose chases or scavenger hunts to please your wife. Tune in to what’s in her heart, and you’ll be on the right path.
