You hit the proverbial nail upside the head. We were busying show how we felt in the way we wanted, we failed to show or tell them how we felt in the way they needed.
I once, early on in the desperation days recalled to her all the wonderful things I used to do for her and she said, "It wasn't enough." Talk about being kicked in the head.
So fellas if we want another chance, LISTEN and as Wes suggests, pay attention.