Lauryn Hill said it best: "Miscommunication leads to complication." Being able to verbalize your thoughts and feelings is key to any healthy relationship. However, as Ms. Hill has pointed out, words lost in translation can cause major issues in a relationship.

That's why it's important to express yourself as honestly and openly as possible to keep your partner from making assumptions or drawing the wrong conclusions. There is absolutely nothing wrong with being direct, as long as you're tactful. You cannot expect a person to be clear and concise if you are not doing the same.

Some people believe that most problems occur because men and women exchange and express information and ideas differently, however I believe this is only partially true. Sure, at times it seems men speak cryptically, but the same can easily be said about women. To help you navigate the dating world a bit better, Black Voices has taken the liberty of breaking down a few commonly misunderstood phrases and expressions used my men and their female counterparts.
The Pursuit

"I'm getting really sleepy" really means:

Man - Please leave my house.
Woman- It's not happening tonight.

"Do you just want to just stay in?" really means:

M - My funds are low right now.
W - Are you ever going to take me out?

"When can I see you again?" really means

M - I enjoy spending time with you.
W - Ask me out quick!

"What did you do today?" really means

M: Genuine concern I like her enough to ask for details.
W: Why haven't I received a call, text, or email until now?

"You want some gum?" really means:

M - Your breath stinks.
W - Your breath really stinks.

"Who else are you dating?" really means:

M - For me to be serious, I'm going to need to know this answer.
W - Before I put myself out there, I need to know if you're a player or a pimp.

"I'm not really looking for a boyfriend/girlfriend right now" really means:

M - I'm not that into you.
W - I'm not that into you.

The Relationship

"Why don't we stay in and make it a blockbuster night" really means:

M - Let's get it on.
W- I'm ready to get it on.

"Nothing is wrong" really means:

M - Shut up and leave me alone. I need to calm down.
W - He should already know what's wrong.

"It's crazy how I'm starting to feel about you" really means:

M - I'm officially falling in love, but don't think I'm ready to say it.
W - I'm officially falling in love, but don't think I'm ready to say it.

"A man/woman was flirting with me" really means:

M - I'm all yours, no need for you to be jealous.
W - It's time for you to be a little jealous.

"How many kids do you want?" really means:

M - There is a future with this woman.
W - I hope the kids have his eyes, his cute lips and....

The Breakup

"It's not you; it's me" really means:

M - I found someone else.
W - I was over you three months ago.

"I think we are drifting apart" really means:

M - I don't know how to tell you I want this to be over.
W - This is your last warning to act right.

"I'm sorry we haven't spoken, I'm just really really busy" really means:

M - You are no longer a priority in my life.
W- You are no longer a priority in my life.