I really like what lurkette had to say. Men communicate differently (and by e.s.p. is not an appropriate method here). Making them realize what's really important is as difficult as it is the other way around. A committed relationship does take work and sometimes it is simply something they don't care to effort toward. I don't think you're supposed to like each other or agree with each other all the time, but most men I know have a hard time grasping that concept. If your in love, you agree, you don't argue, etc.
I went with coworkers to lunch the other day and in a corner sat a couple in their mid forties. Both individuals wore wedding rings, but from the way they behaved, it was obvious they weren't married to each other. I say that because there was lots of neck-kissing, leaning in close and whispering in each other's ears. They were obviously enthralled with each other and his ring was not shiny. Very little eating so they were using their time "wisely". Now I'm not in any way saying that all married couples don't behave like that, because that's a blanket generalization, but certainly it would apply to most. I most definitely wouldn't mind being swept off my feet during an ordinary lunch or dinner date to the point of not eating what I ordered - food would happily take a back seat (no pun intended).
Unfortunately, life gets in the way - kids, work, finances - and as lurkette said, it's important to remember that dishes sitting in the sink are not the most important thing going (now if they are always in the sink, that's a different story!). Women simply stress and worry more. We typically take on the emotional responsibility in a relationship. Those dishes can be hard to set aside in lieu of an afternoon tryst sometimes, but it's worth thinking about...
