My understanding is that we only disappear into our cave when we feel unsafe. The problem is that generally when a man lets his defenses down, first thing he feels is anger or frustration because these are safest emotions for us. At this point, woman stops listening or fights back and once again man learns feelings are not a good idea.

If a woman really wants a man that can feel and communicate his feelings, she needs to be his guide. Women have luxury of being allowed intimate female friends and upper edge when it comes to empathy and compassion. When women re-entered workforce, some men were only too happy to mentor them into management positions. I’d encourage you to mentor your man through process of emotions. The easiest way to do this is through a process that Taylor and McGee refer to as Deep Listening in their book “The New Couple”. It’s very easy and surprisingly powerful.

Set aside 20 minutes and agree that you are each going to take ten minutes to talk about your lives. When it’s your turn to talk, you can discuss anything and everything on your mind. When it’s your turn to listen, you must actively listen. This means no grunts, no head nods, and no interruptions. Ideally, you just look at speaker with ‘soft eyes’. It is important that both parties take ten minutes because you are building a safe space. There is no set agenda and it’s not a place to air grievances between two of you. It’s a space to open up to each other.

You will discover new things about your partner during deep listening sessions. Don’t expect anything too dramatic. Just remember after 15 years of therapy, I still rarely cry ‘like a girl’ and it’s my sincere belief that our kidneys just process liquid differently.

Are you confused? How can your brand name household cleaning products and personal care products contain harmful toxins if they’re sold at grocery stores nationwide? The truth is that Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) does NOT regulate personal use products. The workplace and outdoors are considered legal environments, while your home is not.

Did you know that indoor air quality is 3 to 70 times more polluted than outdoor air in worst polluted U.S. cities, according to an EPA study? And that women who work from home have a 54% higher death rate from cancer than those who work outside home, according to a 17-year EPA study?

Labeling laws simply don’t protect consumer. The U.S. Federal Code of Regulations exempts manufacturers from full labeling of products if used for personal, family or household care! “Warning!” labels mean that as little as 1 teaspoon of product can harm or kill an adult, “Danger!” means that as little as 5 drops can harm or kill an adult. Go ahead and take a look at products in your home, you may be shocked and surprised!

Many conditions such as rising rate of childhood cancer, asthma, and ADD/ADHD are being linked to increased use of chemicals in our homes. So what can you do to protect your loved ones? Educate yourself on what’s really in products you use to bathe, deodorize and beautify yourself and your family. Study labels on your household cleaning products; anything that says “harmful to humans and domestic animals” isn’t something that’s good for you or your child.

Research your alternatives: responsible manufacturers don’t use formaldehyde, phenols, NTA, phosphates, ammonia, or chlorine (bleach) in their products, and trustworthy companies do exist. As a responsible adult and savvy consumer, you owe it to yourself and your child to make informed choices about products you allow into your environment.

As a concerned parent, you want to provide very best for your child...so start today to make safer, healthier choices!