Communicating What You Want

Many men struggle with opening up difficult conversations with their intimate partners because they fear the inherent vulnerability of that act. To communicate a need is to risk receiving judgment or negativity from our partner in response, and often, it’s easier to ignore the need entirely so as not to have to ask our partner for things. But giving in to this fear of vulnerability perpetuates avoidance of the things that need to be discussed in relationships. Ignoring our own needs in favor of keeping the relationship smooth only leads to a build up of resentment and anger, and in the worst case, an eventual dissolution of the relationship bond. Join Ryan and Slade as they discuss the types of emotional blocks men face when trying to open a conversation around their needs, and how they can be overcome. SHOW NOTES 00:27 – Slade discusses the challenge associated with opening a “needs” conversation 02:20 – Ryan shares a personal story about overcoming his avoidant communication patterns 06:30 – How the fear of vulnerability perpetuates avoidance 09:30 – Providing context when either requesting time or responding to your partner’s request for time 12:53 – The importance of collaboration when bringing forth your needs 16:01 – Ryan shares an example of how providing context helped resolve a needs discussion without negativity 18:40 – Ryan and Slade provide some tools for applying a collaborative approach in your own relationship