Forgive me for the absurd but the long-lost uncle who lives alone in a tree house on the edge of the Amazon, and who never writes to, phones or contacts the family, and who never sends the children birthday cards – is communicating a great deal. One thing he is saying is that he wants little or nothing to do with his family!

Although extreme, the illustration demonstrates an important point: people are constantly communicating. The problem often lies in whether the recipient is willing to hear (read, perceive, appreciate) the essence of the messages.

The married man who might never tell his wife how he feels, what he thinks, or what he wants is communicating a lot. Silence SAYS a lot.

This said, most men and women are likely to become more fulfilled when they learn to define themselves more clearly, and remove as much the guesswork for others as possible, and state more exactly what they want from life, others and the future. While this is very difficult for some people – it is achievable by functioning adults.

So before attacking any man for his failure to communicate, be sure you have understood that which he is already saying. His silence is probably full of meaning.