There’s no doubt that communication is key to any healthy relationship. However, sometimes it can be difficult to open up and express what we’re really feeling. This can lead to tension and conflict, as well as a feeling of disconnection. While everyone has experienced relationship conflict at some point, it is important to make sure little arguments don’t go unresolved.
Whether it’s a disagreement about how to spend money or how to spend their time, all couples face challenges. But, when conflict is not resolved in a healthy way, it can lead to “wall building.” This is when partners start to erect emotional barriers, holding back their feelings and thoughts in an attempt to avoid more conflict.
While this may seem like a sensible solution in the short term, it can actually do more harm than good. If you’re struggling to communicate with your partner, there are a few things you can do to break down walls and start opening up. So read on and find out what these are.
5 steps to break down emotional walls in a relationship?
1- Be more aware of your body language:
If you’re struggling to communicate with your partner, there are a few things you can do to break down walls and start opening up. First, try to be more aware of your body language. Nonverbal cues like eye contact, facial expressions, and posture can say a lot about how we’re really feeling.
This may seem obvious, but it’s important to remember that effective communication is the foundation of any healthy relationship. And a big part of that is nonverbal communication too. When we mock our partners, laugh at their faces, or make them feel small because they dared open up to us twice, we’re discouraging them from ever doing it again.
What your partner says may be the most ridiculous thing you ever heard but you should still not make faces, ridicule them or change the tone of your voice to a more condescending one.
When you’re feeling hurt or frustrated, or even amused by the ridiculousness of your partner’s thoughts take a deep breath and keep your cool. Try and express your thoughts and feelings to your partner in a calm and respectful way. But more importantly, watch your body language.
2- Practice active listening:
In any relationship, it’s inevitable that walls will go up from time to time. Whether it’s due to a misunderstanding or a difference in opinion, these walls can quickly turn a healthy relationship into a tense one.
If you find yourself in this situation, it’s important to give active listening a try. This involves really paying attention to what the other person is saying and taking the time to understand their perspective. It can also be helpful to express your own feelings and needs in a clear and concise way.
Practicing active listening can help you both become a very happy, strong, and loving couple. Because it means giving your full attention to your partner when they’re speaking, which shows that you value and respect their time, opinions, and wants. It demonstrates that you’re willing to make a real effort to keep them happy and content which is almost considered proof of love.
3- Be more vulnerable with your partner:
Thirdly, if you want to break the emotional walls in your relationship then try to be more vulnerable with your partner. This means sharing your thoughts and feelings, even if it’s scary or uncomfortable.
It’s easy to put up walls and build defenses, especially because exposing yourself can be scary. Maybe, you fear judgment and rejection, and you might not want to give your partner the ammunition to hurt you.
But being more vulnerable is essential if you want to have a close, intimate relationship. It allows you to be more open and honest with each other, and it gives your partner a chance to see the real you. It also allows you to connect on a deeper level and build trust.
In addition to being vulnerable why not try sharing something personal with your partner: something that you wouldn’t normally share with anyone else. This can also help to create a feeling of intimacy and trust.
4- Remind your partner that you’re there for them often:
Another way to break walls in your relationship is to ask your partner how they feel. Listen to what they have to say without judging or interrupting them. If they don’t want to talk about something, respect their wishes and don’t push them. However, always check up on them from time to time and let them know that you’re there for them if they ever need to talk.
Breaking down the walls that you have built up between you and your partner doesn’t mean that you have to start spilling all of your deepest, darkest secrets. Sometimes, simply asking your partner how they are feeling can open up the lines of communication and help you to resolve your differences.
Of course, it’s also important to be ready to listen to what they have to say. Even if you don’t agree with their point of view, it’s important to show them that you are willing to hear them out and be there for them.
Also, make sure you always check up on your partner after a disagreement. This way you can make sure that they are doing okay and don’t have unresolved feelings from the argument that could turn into resentment.
5- Let your guard down with your partner:
Try to always be yourself and to be spontaneous in your relationship. It’s tempting to put on a persona when you’re first getting to know someone, but it’s important to be genuine if you want the relationship to last.
It can be easy to put up walls with your partner, especially if you’re feeling insecure or if you worry that they may like you less or judge you. But when you let your guard down, you’re allowing yourself to be more open and honest with your partner and to show them your truth. You’re also opening yourself up to letting things happen naturally which can be adventurous and exciting.
When you let your guard down, you’re giving your relationship a chance to grow and flourish. So next time you’re feeling guarded, take a deep breath and let your partner in. If you want more than this then check this article out on how to let your guard down in your relationship.