Continued From Page 1

Female sharing often produces feelings of anxiety and panic in men who respond to it by swiftly repositioning themselves to create psychic buffer. They will then proceed to tune us out by doing something more productive, like playing computer poker.

Man Fact: Grunting and physically remaining in a room with a woman who's talking at him is considered "communicating" by most men.

This is not a strategy, it is a primal urge that even the most metrosexual man possesses deep in his genetic hardwiring. This tune-out is such an old, yet effective, coping mechanism that it's impossible to reprogram.

The Three Strikes You're Out Rule

The most effective way to talk to a man about a "hot topic" is to ambush him. By using the three sentence rule you'll slip right under his radar.

Man Fact: If you have to make a request of a man more than three times you're not going to get what you need from him without a fight. At least not right now.

You have struck out. Just accept it! Most women don't know about this rule and as a consequence, fall into the following trap:

Bungling the Three-Sentence Rule

Example: You're happily watching TV. Bob comes into the room, grabs the remote, and starts flipping through the channels.

Sentence 1 Jessica: Bob, it makes me disrespected when I make a request and you completely roll right over me.

Bob [Silence, more channel surfing.] What? Sentence 3

Jessica: Bob would you please change the channel back?

Bob: Hang on.

Jessica: Hellooooo, Bob? Earth to Bob! Are you deaf?

Bob: You are such a nag! Here, watch whatever you want. [Tosses the remote control at Jessica and leaves the room in a huff.]

Romantic Rule: When you get what you want by nagging, you still lose. If you repeat something more than three times, you're henpecking!

Correct Use of the Three Sentence Rule

Sentence 1 Jessica: Bob, I would appreciate it if you didn't change the channel when I'm watching Masterpiece Theater.

Bob: [Grunts.] Ummm-hmmmm.{Doesn't change channel back.]

Sentence 2 Jessica: Bob, it makes me feel disrespected when I make a request and you just roll right over me.

Bob: [Silence, more channel surfing.] What?

Sentence 3

Jessica: Bob, would you please change the channel back?

Bob ignores her. Jessica walks out of the room.