Lisa sat pensively by the phone, hoping it might be Jack. While they had not made any kind of exclusive arrangement in their dating, Lisa knew Jack was the kind of man she’d like to continue seeing.

“Hi, it’s Jack. What’s happening?” Jack asked.

“Not much,” Lisa answered, pleased that he had called. “What are you up to?” she asked, stopping herself from adding, “Any plans for tonight?”

“Well, I was wondering if you might want to take in a movie or something?” 

“I’d like that. I didn’t have any plans,” she said.

Jack and Lisa began seeing one another on a more regular basis, obviously enjoying one another’s company. However, as the weeks passed, they never discussed the direction of their emerging relationship.

Lisa and Jack started developing a pattern which was not satisfying to either of them. Lisa enjoyed being with Jack, but had been counseled by friends not to make her feelings or intentions too obvious. Jack, likewise, had been told by his friends to be “cool,” letting her lead the way.

This awkward dance, between a man and woman, happens over and over, with each wondering what the other is thinking, but afraid to ask. Each hopes the other will be more open with his or her feelings so the other won’t have to guess. Men, especially, need to learn the fine art of listening to a woman.

Listening is much more than simply hearing what is said. It is listening for what is not said. It is listening for pauses in the conversation, as much as to the words. It is, as I’ve said in my book, Saying It So He’ll Listen, listening with your soul. It means communicating with a clear purpose and intention.

Today, with more and more people single or single again, it is more important than ever to refine the art of listening. It has been said that there is no truer way to express love than to listen to the deepest part of another.

Men take little time for this aspect of relating. Prone to want quick fixes, quick dinners and quick-and-easy romance, it is challenging for them to take time to truly listen to a woman. But, it is a challenge that will pay great rewards. Here are a few tips for men, but equally helpful to women.

First, don’t be afraid to ask questions. If the topic is something you’re wondering about, chances are it is time to have a conversation about it. Might you be jumping the gun on an issue? Possibly, but a good question, asked tactfully, is rarely out of bounds.

Second, if you’re dying to ask a question, consider making a statement instead. If you want to ask if this other person, a certain woman in question, cares about you, why not make a statement instead, revealing your feelings. Yes, it is riskier. It’s always easier to ask a question rather than express your feelings – but, be brave. Put your feelings and desires on the line. What’s the worst that can happen?