[SiberianDVM]

Originally Posted by DanielDudley

Your wife probably thinks she is going to be in trouble if she gives you the wrong answer, so she is being evasive in a way that might force you to disclose why you want to know. To her, your question is incomplete. I need to know X so I can plan Y gives her a clear reason why it might be OK for her to answer.

Of course women also talk to socialize, so drawing out the answer is simply a way of socializing with you. Either way, the point is to allow you to demonstrate that you are sociable, that is to say friendly, and to get YOU to disclose more information without having to ask a question.

This happens with my wife all the time, usually just before I am supposed to walk out the door for work. When we finally get to the why of why I asked my question and WHY I need the answer, that is when I will get the answer. Regardless, I either have to play along, or force the issue to get an answer. In my wife's mind, only one of those options is an acceptable conclusion, because if I force the issue, I am just demonstrating that I am either antisocial and or mean, and that means not safe to be around.

Since I always have a good reason for needing to know things, I usually point out to my wife that since I always have a good reason for asking questions, it is unacceptable not to answer them directly. I also frequently point out that if I am having a conversation, it is best to stick to the point, because I always have a point I am trying to get at. For my wife, rambling along for 20 minutes IS the point.

What he said.

Women are analog; men are digital.