We’ve all been there.
If your other half is upset and visibly worried, chances are you want to do anything you can to help them feel better.
You might push them to tell you what’s wrong and get frustrated when they don’t open up but it turns out that this is the worst thing you can do in this situation.
This particularly applies if your partner has made it clear that they absolutely do NOT want to talk about the issue at hand, not under any circumstance.
There’s a good reason behind this thinking too and now that we know relationship expert Jane Greer’s opinion on the subject, we’re rethinking how we react when this happens.
In conversation with Women’s Health, the author of What About Me? Stop Selfishness From Ruining Your Relationship explained why taking a step back can be beneficial.
Relationship guru Greer says that it’s okay to ask if they want to talk but if they say no, then don’t attempt to bring the discussion any further.
Greer recommends steering away from phrases such as “come on, tell me, I really want to know” or “maybe I can help” as this takes the attention away from their problem and makes it more about you.
This is the last thing you want to happen, even if it is completely unintentional. It can have the opposite effect of what you want by causing your partner to further withdraw from you. With that in mind, it’s worth keeping her tip in mind next time this arises.