Understanding Gender Differences in Relationships: 7 Powerful Ways to Improve Emotional Connection

Breaking the Cycle: Steps for Both Partners

Couples can break out of this pattern and achieve a deeper, more satisfying understanding of each other if both men and women are willing to do their part:

• For Women: Understanding that their partner is not withdrawing out of a lack of interest but because he is afraid of getting it wrong with her can lead to major shifts in the relationship.
• For Men: Men can resist the temptation to withdraw and learn to hang in there emotionally with their partner and talk things through. Learning to become more comfortable with conflict and viewing it as an opportunity to connect rather than a threat can prevent the fear of conflict from triggering fears of abandonment and leading to withdrawal.