This is the person you are supposed to share everything with, right?
So, why can’t they let you know what they are really feeling?
Instead of opening up, you’re left trying to decode half-hearted shrugs and one-word responses.
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When a partner doesnt discuss their feelings, its hard for the other person and can lead to discord.
People want to feel like they have open communication and trueintimacy.
Just remember,vulnerabilitycan be really hard.
It often takes persistence, patience, and a whole lot ofempathy.
So, how can you encourage your partner to open up?
A partner who won’t talk about their feelings is a common issue.
Emotionsserve a variety of purposes.
This can become frustrating.
They will remain tight-lipped as a result.
Depression anxiety, substance abuse issues, and mental health problems may be viewed asweaknesses.
Findings indicate that the differences in expressiveness did correspond to differences in how somatosensory mechanisms contributed to constructing feelings.
Use Positive Body Language
you could create a comfortable environment for conversations, saysDr.
Dr. Amy (as she prefers to be called) doesn’t stop there.
She says, While smiling, use phrases like ‘Just indulge me.
Tell me how this serves you and I will do my best to understand and support you.'"
I really just want to hear your thoughts about (fill-in-the-blank)."
It’s okay to tell your partner youre frustrated andshare your feelings with your partner.
But if they feel theyre being judged, they might shut down.
What if you are being critical and dont want to be?
Normalize Sharing of Emotions in Conversations
Model healthy sharing by communicatingyourfeelings.
Set the standard so you share feelings regularly.
Once your partner starts to open up,actively listen(instead of scrolling through your phone).
Be sure to usecognitive and emotional empathy.
Its best not to discuss the issue in the middle of an argument.
Choose a quiet time in which both you and your partner are relaxed.
Not much research has explored interpersonal processes that facilitate or inhibit emotional expression.
The research used two different studies (a daily diary and a lab experiment).
Overall, the results showed that believing your partner to be responsive led to higher levels of emotional expression.
Perceived partner responsiveness encourages emotional expression.Emotion.
2020;20(3):329-342. doi:10.1037/emo0000650
