Harden Elkington
Do you or your spouse have issues because one or both of you feel emotionally abandoned?
Or do one of you struggle with “being there” for your partner when he/she is sad or depressed?
If this applies to you, this activity can assist.
People have diverse ideas about how they want to be aided and problems arise when one partner fails to meet the demands or expectations of the other.
For example, when seeking assistance, a partner who is more sensitive may communicate his/her feelings. However, if the other partner is less emotional, he/she may react in an unsupportive manner that unintentionally communicates a lack of caring or concern.
It is vital to discuss openly what each partner expects and desires in terms of emotional support.
Partners need to be clear about what they need from their spouses in order to feel emotionally supported.
Often, one partner will take on the role of the caretaker and provide most of the emotional support, while the other partner becomes the recipient.
This can result in resentment and frustration if not addressed.
What is emotional support from a partner?
There is no single answer to this question as emotional support can mean different things to different people.
Generally speaking, though, emotional support from a partner refers to the degree of attention and care that one partner provides to the other in times of need.
This could include things like being there for a listening ear, offering words of encouragement, or simply providing a hug or back rub when needed.
It is important to remember that everyone expresses emotions differently, so what may be emotionally supportive to one partner may not be emotionally supportive to another.
It is therefore crucial for partners to communicate openly about what they need in order to feel supported.
Why Emotional support is important in a relationship?
Emotional support is important in a relationship because it provides a sense of stability and foundation.
When one partner feels emotionally supported by the other, it can help to reduce feelings of loneliness, isolation, and vulnerability.
In addition, emotional support can help partners feel connected to each other and can foster a stronger bond between them.
Lastly, emotional support can help partners cope with difficult life events and challenges.
How to give emotional support to your partner
Listen attentively and be supportive
When your partner is talking, make eye contact and focus on what he/she is saying. Don’t interrupt and let them finish speaking before you offer your thoughts.
Be supportive and non-judgmental, even if you don’t agree with what they are saying.
Offer words of encouragement
When your partner is feeling down or discouraged, offer words of encouragement to help boost their spirits. Tell them that you believe in them, that things will get better, or simply offer a hug.
Be there for them in times of need
When your partner is going through a difficult time, be there for them to offer support. This could mean listening patiently, providing practical assistance, or just being there to offer emotional support.
Show your affection
Sometimes, all your partner needs is a hug or a back rub to feel supported. Showing your affection can help them feel loved and appreciated.
Be patient and understanding
Everyone expresses emotions differently and what may be emotionally supportive to one partner may not be so for another. Be patient and understanding as you learn what your partner needs in order to feel supported.
Emotional support is an essential component of any healthy relationship.
By communicating openly about what we need in terms of emotional support, we can help to create a closer and more fulfilling relationship with our partners.
Why your partner can’t support you emotionally?
There can be a number of reasons why your partner may not be able to support you emotionally. This could include things like:
- Lack of knowledge or understanding about what emotional support entails
- Feeling overwhelmed and unable to meet the other partner’s needs
- Not knowing how to deal with his/her own emotions, which makes it difficult to deal with those of his/her partner
- Feeling resentful or taken for granted by the other partner
- Past experiences that have led to a lack of trust in others
How to get your partner to support you emotionally?
If you feel like your partner is not providing enough emotional support, there are things you can do to try and get him/her to change their behavior. These include:
- Talking openly and honestly about your needs
- Communicating what emotional support looks like to you
- Expressing gratitude (gratitude imperative) for the emotional support that your partner does provide
- Telling your partner when his/her behavior is unsupportive or makes you feel neglected
- Requesting that your partner seek counseling or therapy if he/she is unable to provide the emotional support you need
- Taking time for yourself to address any personal issues that may be preventing you from receiving emotional support from your partner
- Ending the relationship if you feel like your partner is never going to be able to meet your needs
If you and your partner have difficulty providing emotional support to each other, it is important to seek help from a therapist or counselor.
This can assist you in understanding the root of the problem and help you learn how to better communicate with each other.
Summary
Emotional support is an essential part of any healthy relationship and to build strong connection in relationship.
By communicating openly about what we need in terms of emotional support, we can help to create a closer and more fulfilling relationship with our partners.
If your partner is not providing enough emotional support, there are things you can do to try and get him/her to change their behavior.
These include talking openly and honestly about your needs, communicating what emotional support looks like to you, expressing gratitude for the emotional support that your partner does provide, and requesting that your partner seek counseling or therapy.
If you and your partner have difficulty providing emotional support to each other, it is important to seek help from a therapist or counselor.
