When women "hear" the language of men, a sea change can happen.

If you want to know what men want in order to be truly happy in their relationship, the answer lies in one thing: communication.

For example, if you've been in a relationship for a while now, you might feel like neither of you has much to say to each other these days. Bickering becomes a frequent pastime, and it seems hes only interested in being with you when he has sex in mind.

When this happens, when and how can you start a conversation about it?

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"Babe, can we talk?" are among the most dreaded words in any language to the vast majority of men. He hears only, "Im in trouble."

And so begins an unfortunate cycle that is repeated over and over again in homes, restaurants, and parks around the globe.

Men know that they feel like they're in trouble when these words are spoken. What many men dont always know about themselves is why.

The secret is that mens happiness in relationships depends largely on whether their partners are happy and specifically happy with them.

What a man really wants is to feel emotionally connected just as much as you do. Unfortunately, too often, these attempts to communicate and connect backfire. And it's so maddening and puzzling to both of you.

He cleans off your car in every snow, shares the chores, approaches you for sex, works hard to be a good provider, and makes sure all the insurance premiums are paid.

You tell him you want to spend more time with him, to improve the communication between the two of you, and want him to suggest some fun things to do together. However, he disappears into his man cave of stony silence.

"What goes so wrong?" you both ask.

What is wrong is that he feels that hes tried so hard to show his love and affection and youre not satisfied! Instead, hes in the doghouse again.

What puzzles you is that you tell him what you want but hes not inspired.

When you tell him what you want, he hears how hes fallen short. He feels hes failed in his job as a partner and retreats in shame, usually disguised as anger or withdrawal. Meanwhile, you feel misunderstood and deserted.

In their book, How to Improve Your Marriage Without Talking About It, Dr. Pat Love and Dr. Steven Stosny assert that there are strong gender differences afoot, set in motion by biology at birth and solidified by socialization.

Were taught how to avoid shame and fear according to our gender.

What I so often hear from women is, "How do I cope with this man I love? How can I connect with him?"

The answer isnt complicated. But, it does require looking at effective communication skills through a different lens.

The first step is to define what you mean by effective communication.

Remember that you and your spouse have different communication styles. So, when you say, "We need better communication skills", you usually mean, I want you to understand me."

And he wants this just as much. One major way a man communicates is to do things for his partner in the hopes of making her happy.

When these efforts arent noticed and put in the "I feel loved" column, he feels he hasnt been "heard", much less understood.

One thing that really helps is to learn how to "hear" the language of men. You might think, "Changing the lightbulbs is great, but thats not what makes me feel loved."

However, recognizing that this is his effort to love and care for you can be a game-changer. When he feels acknowledged and appreciated for these practical efforts, he is more likely to stay present with you and his man cave feels less beckoning.

If you disrupt the cycle of misunderstanding and missed cues, then the channels of communication have a much better chance of being open. He is, then, likely to be able to hear and understand you.

Do you want to facilitate a dramatic shift towards a far more enjoyable relationship?

Tough as is it, changing this cycle requires you to temporarily set aside your frustrations and build a bridge between the two of you. Knowing your neurobiological differences makes a world of difference

In his book, Wired for Love, Dr. Stan Tatkin states that partners who become experts on each other can learn what pleases and soothes their partners. Herein lies a critical key to a satisfying relationship.

If you understand the differences in your neurobiology, those familiar arguments and impasses can fade and dissolve.

As challenging as it may be, keep your sights on the big prize of a closer relationship if you want to learn how to communicate effectively.

Do: Accept and appreciate out loud all the things he does for you and your family.

Don't: Criticize him. Most issues that are tense between the two of you can be discussed without criticism.

See his eyes light up when you tell him you appreciate that he gets up and goes to work every day, regardless that youre doing the same).

Whats important to him is that you know that the reason he does much of what he does is to make you happy.

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Do: Be affectionate.

Don't: Complain that hes not affectionate.

You might complain that the only time hes affectionate is when he wants sex. Men often look to connect emotionally through inviting their partner into a sexual encounter.

If youre not in the mood, build a bridge between where you are and being open to touching. This could be a hot bath, a conversation, a foot massage, or a walk together.

If you have to pass, propose an alternative that is physically connecting and make good on a rain check for sex.

Do: Be that person anyone would want to be with. Listen to what he has to say, show interest, propose a fun activity, be complimentary.

Don't: Bring up issues loaded with negativity when youre having fun or some relaxing time together.

If you refer to things on his "to-do" list that hasnt been done, a pet peeve, or your best advice on how he could lose weight, hell feel pounced on. That man-cave will seem very appealing.

Do: Ask if this is a good time for him to listen to something important you have to tell him. Be a safe person for him to be in conversation with. Be vulnerable. Let him know that you realize he may not have intended to offend you.

Don't: Ambush him. Dont try to talk to him when youre angry. Dont lay out your self-improvement program for him. Hell only hear, "Heres how youve failed..."

If you unload on him when youre angry, his ears will close. Wait until youve identified your more vulnerable feelings that triggered the anger first. He can more likely hear that youre hurt, feel ignored or unimportant.

These suggestions most likely wont feel easy to do. Yet, they work. Remember this is a win-win scenario. When couples feel connected, there are fewer problems.

With understanding and respect for your differences, its possible to change this common cycle of his feeling hes failed and your feeling misunderstood and abandoned.

When men feel theyre successful partners and women feel understood, there are few problems you cant tackle together.

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Deborah Fox, MSW is a couples therapist and Certified Sex Therapist helping couples reconnect and find their way back to a passionate relationship. Visit Deborah on her on her website and follow her on Facebook.

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This article was originally published at Deb Fox. Reprinted with permission from the author.

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How To Communicate Effectively & Understand What Men Want In Order To Be Happy In A Relationship | Deborah Fox - YourTango