Final answer:
The communication struggle between the husband and wife stems from different gender communication styles; men generally converse to assert status, while women seek to build social connections.
Step-by-step explanation:
The differences in how the husband and wife see their communication behaviors are likely due to differences in gender communication styles. Research by Deborah Tannen indicates that men and women often have distinct approaches to conversation, where men tend to converse to assert status, and women aim to create social bonds. The husband may view his withdrawal as a way to maintain his status or avoid further conflict, while the wife perceives the nagging as an attempt to engage and address relationship issues.
Frequently, the strain from participation in work can make it difficult to fulfill the requirements of family life, or vice versa, leading to communication breakdowns like the one described in the scenario. This can be compounded when these gender communication styles clash, with specific behaviors required by work amplifying the misunderstanding and tension within personal relationships.