Check out this list of communication issues why your spouse won't listen. Today is "personal issues of your spouse" and yesterday was Part 1, "problems with your delivery".

Reasons Why Your Spouse Won't Listen to You
 
By Sheri & Bob Stritof, About.com

 

When one or both of you are not listening to one another, you have a problem in your marriage. If the lack of listening continues, your marriage could be in jeopardy.

The listening problem in your marriage could be related to issues that your spouse has, your method of delivery, or a combination of both. 
 
Your Spouse's Own Personal Issues
 
· Your spouse may not be interested in the subject you are talking about. Ask if this is something your spouse wants to talk about.
 
· Your spouse may be afraid of intimacy.
 
· Your spouse may disagree with what you are saying and isn't open to hearing your side of an issue.
 
· Your spouse may have listened as much as possible that particular day and is in information overload. Don't push for more.
 
· If you are giving your spouse advice or information, your spouse may believe that he/she already knows the answer or how to do something.
 
· Your spouse may have the habit of racing ahead of what you are saying by thinking of how to respond.
 
· Your spouse could judge that what you have to say isn't important.
 
· Your spouse may believe that ignoring what you say will make the issue or situation go away.
 
· Your spouse may not want to hear what you have to say.
 
· Your spouse (the man) may only be using half a brain to listen. "Researchers in the United States have found that men only listen with half their brain (left hemisphere), while women use both sides ... he [Dr. Joseph T. Lurito] suggested women were not necessarily better listeners. He said women may need to use more of their brain to listen to conversations, but said it could show women could listen to two conversations at once."
 
"Possibilities Why Men Don't Listen?" 
 
· He may feel intimidated and not comfortable expressing an opposing view, so tuning out is an easier option. Allow your spouse to disagree with you.
 
· He may have a short attention span. According to Carla Rieger, the attention span of an average adult is only 7 seconds. Everyone needs to pause now and then as they speak. Allow your spouse to ask questions to clarify what you are saying.
 
· He may have too many distractions at the time of your conversation. If having total attention to what you are saying is important to you, turn off cell phones, TV, computers, etc.
 
· He may not want to listen in order to avoid a conflict.
 
· He may have heard what you said, but he believes differently or he doesn't want to do what you asked. It is easier to choose to be perceived as not listening than to say a direct "No".

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