Men hold it in. Both have strengths. Women bring up issues, but men often feel they are nagging them. While women want to discuss problems, men are more action-oriented and would rather fix it than talk about it. Women tend to be better coping with marital conflict, McCain says.
Women see conflict as a way to reach intimacy, but for men, it brings on anxiety.
McCain suggests communication workshops to learn how to communicate what's important, how to really listen to the other person, and how to validate their point of view. It is critical that the speaker does not blame and that the listener really listens. As communication improves, the couple can work on problems together. His book includes all the blood types and a personality profile for each. O's are considered real leaders and survivors.