Is communication a lost skill among men?

I received a very wonderful compliment from a woman today. I was told that she found it refreshing how I communicate in a straight forward, honest, and clear manner. I find this wonderful because this is a trait I work hard on, so it nice to get positive reinforcement that something is actually getting through my thick skull!

However the comment that it was "refreshing" triggered a question in my mind. Has a large portion of the male gender lost the ability to communicate clearly, honestly and effectly with women? This is not the first time I have recieved this compliment, and often after the compliment has been given, I hear horror stories how men failed to communicate. So I wonder whether I am truly an exception, or whether there just a few men who are horrid communicators that are giving the entire gender a bad name? I throw the question into cyberspace as I am curious on other peoples thoughts on the subject.

I don't think that this is only a male problem, but I am less likely to say something stupid if I stick to comments on my own gender.