Just sharing some results! Last night, I tried out your 'men talk when their hands are busy' insight. It worked!!! While H was making dinner, I brought up an issue that is less emotionally charged than R, but that he similarly finds it tough to talk about. (Thought I'd better try something a little 'safer' for us as a testing ground.) And you know? He talked! Not to an extensive length, but a heck of a lot more than what I'd heard before! Promising results! What a great feeling to know that my H might share something important with me. Even that little bit makes me feel - well - like I'm kind of important *to* him and that he might have more respect for me and my opinion than what I'd thought! This gives me the courage to keep trying it. Thanks again guys!

Oh! PS I also tried out your 'compliment the competence' insight too - I think it really caught him off guard! I just stated it simply, without a lot of fuss then shut my mouth... the look on his face was priceless! I don't think he knew what to say! smile Thanks again - really appreciate the advice!

I cannot complain for not receiving from others, that which I've never asked them for.