Criticizing in a healthy way is a delicate business. Here's a foolproof way to be heard.

Dr. Wendy Walsh: There it is. That giant silence between you and your partner. You know you want to tell him what's bugging you. But will he tune you out, respond with a wall of defenses, or might you actually be heard?

Criticizing in a healthy way is a delicate business. It's so easy for the recipient of your "gentle shaping" to perceive it as an attack, and shoot back with a strong defense before the full value of the words sink in. It's also really hard for the communicator of a criticism to use kind enough language. Too often, our criticisms come in the form of an angry explosion after a buildup of irritation. Or, perhaps you have been taught not to express your needs, so that when you finally do, guilty feelings cause a kind of confrontational tone -- as if you are trying to convince yourself that it's okay to criticize.

Here's a foolproof way to be heard. While this technique won't guarantee that your partner will change the behavior in question, I will at least promise that he'll be receptive to your words.

First of all, timing is crucial. Find a quiet moment when he is not multitasking, the team is not in the play-offs, and he's had a relatively good day so far. Next, make a communication sandwich. It's a compliment as the base, followed by a carefully worded criticism in the middle, followed by another compliment on top. The theory is that his mind will be so fortified by the goodwill you are sending that he'll be more open to the sour note in the middle.

Here's an example: Your husband isn't participating enough in the children's school life. You'd like to see him at more events. First, here's how the conversation might go badly: "You never come to school functions! I feel like a single mother out there. You need to start being a better father, or your kids won't be there for you when you get older."

If I was a betting woman, I'd put money on the fact that the only response a guy would offer to the above is an attack on your mothering skills. Men like to compete. Now here's how that criticism sounds as a communication sandwich: "Honey, have I told you lately what a good provider you are? I am so grateful that you work so hard and give our family so much. I know you are really, really busy at work, but if you can swing it, the kids and I would love for you to attend the welcome-back school family picnic. You know, I still think you are one of the sexiest men I know, and when you find the time to participate in school activities, you are even more beautiful to me."

Yes, it's wordy. Yes, it's a bit mushy. But, trust me. All humans fall for flattery. Kindness, empathy, and goodwill can go a long way in relationships. Just because you've been together for a long time doesn't mean you have to fall into insulting verbal shorthand. Respect your partner and you'll be heard more often. It's all in how you make him a communication sandwich.

Dr. Wendy Walsh holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and her area of interest is Attachment Theory, a psychological, evolutionary and ethological theory that provides a descriptive and explanatory framework for understanding interpersonal relationships between human beings. As a psychological assistant registered with the California Board of Psychology, Dr. Walsh has treated individuals, couples and families for a variety of mental health concerns including personality disorders, anger management, eating and substance disorders, and depression.