I know what I want but I haven't try receiving it yet. And what I need is so important.
If only you know.
I will start to stop giving now. And ask for more instead.
If only you know.
1. A woman expresses her upset feelings about "XYZ." | |
2. A man explains why she should't be upset about "XYZ." | |
3. She feels invalidated and becomes more upset. (She is now more upset about being invalidated than about "XYZ.") | |
4. He feels her disapproval and becomes upset. He blames her for upsetting him and expects an apology before making up. | |
5. She apologizes and wonders what happened, or she becomes more upset and the argument escalates into a battle. |
Mistakes women commonly make | Why he doesn't feel loved |
1. She tries to improve his behaviour or help him by offering unsolicited advice. | 1. He feels unloved becaused she doesn't trust him anymore. |
2. She tries to change or control his behavior by sharing her upset or negative feelings. (It is OK to share feelings but not when they attempt to manipulate or punish.) | 2. He feels unloved because she doesn't accept him as he is. |
3. She doesn't acknowledge what he does for her buy complains about what he has not done. | 3. He feels taken for granted and unloved because she doesn't appreciate what he does. |
4. She corrects his behavior and tells him what to do, as if he were a child. | 4. He feels unloved because he does not feel admired. |
5. She expresses her upset feelings indirectly with rhethorical questions like "How could you do that?" | 5. He feels unloved because he feels she has taken away her approval of him. He no longer feels like the good guy. |
6. When he makes decisions or takes initiatives she corrects or criticizes him. | 6. He feels unloved because she does not encourage him to do things on his own. |
Mistakes men make | Why she doesn't feel loved |
1. He doesn't listen, gets easily distracted, doesn't ask interested or concerned questions. | 1. She feels unloved because he is not attentive or showing that he cares. |
2. He takes her feelings literally and corrects her. He thinks she is asking for solutions so he gives advice. | 2. She feels unloved because he doesn't understand her. |
3. He listens but then gets angry and blame her for upsetting him or for bringing him down. | 3. She feels unloved because he doesn't respect her feelings. |
4. He minimizess the importance of her feelings and needs. He makes children or work more important. | 4. She feels unloved because he is not devoted to her and doesn't honor her as special. |
5. When she is upset, he explains why he is right and why she should not be upset. | 5. She feels unloved because he doesn't validate her feelings but instead makes her feel wrong and unsupported. |
6. After listening he says nothing or just walks away. | 6. She feels insecure because she doesn't get the reassurance she needs. |