Daunting words between sexes

I read an article a long time ago that told me, as a female, never to say the words "We need to talk," to a man. I understood then to some extent. Those words can be daunting.

It's funny how much I took this advice to heart though, considering the article was in Cosmopolitan or something. I find myself trying to take the edge off those words as much as I can. I say instead, "Can I talk to you?" or "I need to talk to you." Is that easier for a man to take? I don't know.

It's a frustrating discussion because underlying this advice is the statement that men don't want a woman to talk to him about serious things. But if a man has respect for a woman and cares for her as a person, even if it's not on a romantic level, she should be able to say whatever she wants if it means communicating in a healthy manner. If he is truly a man, he should be able to handle it.

I have realized, however, that there is a phrase a woman most likely never wants to hear from a man, and that is this. After she opens up to a man in conversation, or tries to convey her feelings, the most frustrating thing he can say is "I don't know what you want me to say."

Out of all the appropriate responses he could have, I can assure you that this is not what she wants him to say. If you don't know why, we need to talk.