Annie Lane, syndicated columnist

Dear Annie: I rarely felt heard by my outgoing husband, who talked for hours with others. We have been married for 54 years.

Several years ago, we attended a business seminar on communication between the sexes. The biggest insight we gained from it is that men and women listen very differently. If a man has his mind on something, he will not “hear” someone else’s comments. So you have to get his attention before you say something. A woman’s brain is able to follow several conversations while working on a project at the same time. It is the way our brains differ. There are scientific studies on this.

My husband and I became much better at communicating with each other after this seminar. — Finally Heard

Dear Finally Heard: Congrats to you and your husband for taking a step in the healthy direction to improve your listening skills. What a gift you’ve given yourselves and each other! I don’t know about the scientific basis for the claim that men and women listen differently, but if it helps you live a happier life, then I’m all for it.

Editor’s note: “Ask Me Anything: A Year of Advice From Dear Annie” is out now! Annie Lane’s debut book — featuring favorite columns on love, friendship, family and etiquette — is available as a paperback and e-book. Visit http://www.creatorspublishing.com for more information. Send your questions for Annie Lane to dearannie@creators.com.