Philippines Mind Reading Skills - Not an Australian-Man Thing

Australian men and Filipina ladies can often form the most wonderful and happy marriages. The cultures of Australia and the Philippines have some similarities, but more areas where we blend nicely together and make something even better. I suppose the main factor is those couples who have a fierce bond of loyalty and a refusal to give up during tough times. But there is one area where Australian men and Filipina ladies differ significantly, and it can cause problems if you don't understand it. Filipinos have mind reading skills, or at least they think they do. Australians? We don't! ## Filipino communication style Filipinos tend to communicate indirectly. They hint. They suggest. They expect you to read between the lines. They might say "maybe" when they mean "no". They might say "I'm fine" when they're definitely NOT fine. And they often expect you to know what they're thinking without them having to tell you. "If you loved me, you would know!" Sound familiar? ## Australian communication style Australians are direct. We say what we mean. If we're unhappy, we tell you. If we want something, we ask for it. We don't expect people to read our minds, because we know that's impossible. And when a Filipina expects her Australian husband to read her mind, he gets confused. He doesn't understand the hints. He doesn't pick up on the indirect communication. And then she gets upset because he "should have known". ## The solution The solution is simple: SAY WHAT YOU MEAN! If you want your Australian husband to know something, tell him directly. Don't hint. Don't expect him to figure it out. Just tell him. And Australian men: be patient. Understand that your Filipina wife comes from a different communication culture. Ask questions. Check in with her. Make it safe for her to speak directly. Learn to communicate in a way that works for both of you. It takes practice, but it's worth it for a happy marriage.