Thanks for reading, Salsam.

My husband often says the same thing, but for some reason I never took it seriously enough because I was lazy and figured "he just knows this is the way I talk, right?" But even in a marriage it's dangerous to make those assumptions. It reminds me of the time I also had to explain to him that when I'm worried I get super cranky (and, let's just admit it, bitchy) and he hadn't understood that at all. Would never have guessed I was worried, of all things.

Oh, my gosh, and then, as you point out, trying to understand your kids' styles. It's a lot to do but it's also good work if you can get it. I wish you luck figuring out all the communicators in your household!