Wife wants me to be more open about my feelings, how do I handle this?

Dec 4·1 min read

Don't get me wrong, I love my wife but there's a way to be a man and still be a good husband. She keeps saying I bottle things up. I was raised to handle my problems and be strong for my family. I don't think that means I need to break down and cry about everything. How do you guys balance being the rock in your family with being emotionally available? I want to be a better partner but I'm not going to become someone I'm not.

5 comments198 views

Comments(5)

PPhil K.RegularDec 4

I think the trick is finding the balance. You can be emotionally open without being a total softie about everything. It's not weakness to talk about your day or what's bothering you.

DDanny G.RegularDec 5

Real talk, she probably just wants you to communicate better. That doesn't mean you have to cry at every commercial. My wife just wanted to know what I was thinking about instead of getting the silent treatment.

FFritz N.RegularDec 5

Maybe ask her what she actually means by that. Like specific situations where you shut down. Because opening up about your feelings doesn't mean you're less of a man, it just means you're less of a brick.

AAaron W.RegularDec 6

Being open about feelings and being a man aren't mutually exclusive though. Some of the strongest dudes I know talk openly about what's on their mind. What does that have to do with being a good husband anyway?

JJoel F.RegularDec 6

My wife said the same thing and honestly it came down to me not actually listening when she talked about stuff. She wasn't asking me to get emotional, just engaged.