Markup View

Author: 69BookWorM69

Mar 5th 2012 at 6:55:18 AM

I'd say this also touches on some UnfortunateImplications of a DoubleStandard. Women aren't always encouraged to be clear and upfront about what they want, and sometimes are disparaged for being "bossy" or "demanding" if they are. So a woman may drop hints, perhaps in the hope that the man to whom the hints are targeted will pick up on them and believe he thought of the idea himself. This can preserve the illusion that the men took the initiative. Trouble is, of course, the man has to perceive the communication for it to work.

Generally, the failure you describe occurs, and the misunderstandings and attendant fallout are PlayedForLaughs. Alternatively, these situations serve as "evidence" for the idea that men and women don't/can't understand each other.

As for a difference between this and ObliviousToLove, I'd say this could cover specific desires that aren't necessarily romantic. Things like wanting the guy to spend more time with her (assuming an existing relationship), dropping a recent change in grooming she doesn't like (say a beard or moustache), changing or not changing a residence. This could be a prerequisite of a ForgottenAnniversary or a forgotten birthday or an awkward holiday gift scenario if she drops hints about what she wants for the occasion and he becomes CaptainOblivious.

I'm sure I've SeenItAMillionTimes, but of course, I cannot summon a single specific example right now.