It's propably a matter of age (I'm in my late 40s).
You mention a few important points I had omitted. The mind reading problem is definitely one that concerns both genders. There is a big lack in communication between men and women, in my experience. The question is: where does it root?
After all, most people have one parent of either sex. Shouldn't it be safe to assume we'd have at least a vague idea about the communication structures of both genders? But apperently that's not the case. What could be the reason? Do we instinctively follow the role model even today, after women's lib and equal rights etc?
Or could it be even simpler: do men and women nowadays have different ways of communication than the previous generation?
I must admit, I am not certain about it.
As for myself: I was raised by the old code: a lady never shows her emotions in public and never loses her temper in private. Of course, I don't stick to it. Still, for the sake of harmony and to avoid quarrels, I often keep it to myself if I am displeased and only try to steer the male in the right direction by giving him little hints. He promptly doesn't understand them, repeats the fauxpas, the tension builds and after the 5th or 6th time I explode. Man doesn't get where that came from and sulks. Next quarrel pre-programmed. *sigh*
But how does one criticise a man without him feeling insulted? Guys, here we need your input. Serious suggestions, please!
(Loktar, you're a perfect sweetie! If only you weren't that young. And that far away)