My husband is semi-retired now so he around a lot during day. But we been married over 30 year now so we each know when our input not being embraced. I very much agree with Lee-Bee comment that men are fixers. 4 sons just confirm that. I find it come down to how I communicate. With female friend and relative, they know when woman speak about these thing, it to vent or air idea or just for acknowledge that situation is as we seeing it. When speak to male especially someone who care about us, they want to fix it or make it better.

I now know I need say "Just want to tell you about my day/this situation..just need you listen not need you fix for me.." In time, they understand you sharing information not the problem.

Different people receive information in different way so we have to tailor how we speak when it important they understand what we want from them.

My sons are very different to each other. When they were little, I would show them all how much I love them by treating them all same. When they were about Elementary age, one of my sons went through stage where he think I favour his brother. It was rough couple months because I so hurt he would think that. I then realize that not all people receive information same way. The hugs and the odd treat were not what this son needed to know he loved. For him, he just needed my time. Because we so busy with having 4 small boys I forgot to just be there sometimes not doing things but just giving my time. This how he receive message that he loved, my other children received message other ways.

Now they grown and in relationships I see it again. Three my boys get acknowledgement from partners with touch (hold hand, arm around shoulder on couch, and small gift of appreciated) but same son not need that reminder from his partner, he need her time just sit and watch movie or be together on their household task.

Just receive information differently.