7 Phrases that men and women understand differently

Each of us has found ourselves in a situation where an important conversation or just chatting at dinner became the causes of a grandiose quarrel with a loved one. Often this happens because men and women understand certain phrases of each other differently.

Elena Khil, a psychologist, trainer, and expert in the psychology of communication who studies the impact of empathy and emotional intelligence on psychological well-being and close relationships, shares what is actually hidden behind our words in conversations with a loved one.

1. "I need to talk to you"
It's probably no secret that most men never want to hear this terrible phrase. They immediately think they are in a bind, and this makes them defensive. In fact, when a woman starts a conversation with the words “I need to talk to you”, it means that some situation is emotionally difficult for her.

The woman, most likely, has thought over this conversation a hundred times and would like to consult with you in a friendly way how to correct the current situation. It is so important for her to feel safe! Don't be afraid to listen to the woman and calm her fears. Your relationship will only be stronger if you learn to see in this phrase the concern of your beloved and can listen to her with care and support.

2. "I just want to have a great time"
For a woman, this can mean that she is in a good mood and is happy to chat, laugh and have a pleasant evening. Women mean that they are open to friendly communication, but you should not count on something more serious.

3. "I'm fine"
When a woman says, "I'm fine," she most likely means that she's emotionally not okay, but doesn't want to discuss what's bothering her. She uses this wording so as not to start a difficult conversation for which she is not ready. Or she shows that she is closed and does not want to talk to a man about what is happening to her.

For a man, the phrase "I'm fine" often means that he is fine. He also interprets this phrase as a truthful answer to the question of how things are, and does not suggest that there is some deep problem behind it.

4. "I don't want to talk about it"
For women, this phrase is about the desire to keep an emotional distance. A woman usually says it when she is angry, annoyed or upset and feels like she might break down or burst into tears.

If a man pronounces these words, then it rather means a lack of interest in the topic. Men can use this phrase to show that they don't want to continue the conversation or that they don't think the issue is important.

5. "I don't know"
Women may use this phrase when they are unsure, looking for more information and considering different options, or when they need more time to make a decision.

For men, these words can mean a lack of interest. Men may speak in ways that indicate that they do not have an answer to a question and do not want to think about it, or that they do not consider the situation important or relevant to them.

6. "Get off me" or "Leave me alone"
If you're hearing this from a woman, she's most likely offended and pushing her partner away so that he or she can be persistent and apologize or otherwise make amends for the incident that hurt her feelings.

Men say "Get away from me" when they are tense or highly involved in some activity and they do not have the strength / patience to engage in dialogue now. Men can use this phrase to show they don't need distractions and need time to themselves to recharge or focus on other tasks.

7 "Do what you want"
As a rule, for a woman, this can mean that a man completely trusts her and gives her the full right to make a decision, knowingly supporting any scenario.