Is your husband becoming increasingly emotionally distant from you and putting a strain on your relationship?
It’s tough living with someone who is emotionally distant.
They’re disconnected and disengaged with you and your feelings, so it’s normal to feel like you’re drifting apart.
It doesn’t mean that they don’t love you or care for you though, and there are things you can do to help close that gap between the two of you.
Here are some tips explaining how to live with an emotionally distant husband:
How to Live With an Emotionally Distant Husband
Talk to Your Husband About How It’s Making You Feel
One of the most important things you need to do is talk to your husband about how his emotional distance is affecting you.
Be honest and open with him, and express how it’s making you feel.
You might be feeling lonely, unsupported, or like he doesn’t care about you.
Chances are, he doesn’t even realize how his emotional distance is affecting you and your relationship.
That’s the vicious circle that happens with emotionally distant people, they’re so disconnected that they don’t even see or feel the negative effect it has on their relationships with others.
Talking it out will at the very least make you feel better, and it might encourage him to try and make some changes.
Related – Here is why some guys like to be alone a lot.
Ask Him What You Can Do to Help Him Be More Emotionally Engaged
If your husband is open to it, ask him what you can do to help him be more emotionally engaged.
Some people are naturally more reserved and less in tune with their emotions and the emotions of others.
While some people become reserved when they’re going through a tough time at work or dealing with some personal issues.
Whatever the reason, see if there’s anything you can do to support him and make things easier for him.
Sometimes an emotionally distant person is just waiting for someone to reach out and this can start the process of helping him get closer to you.
You can also try and find ways to help him open up more and express himself, whether that’s through talking, writing, or anything else he feels comfortable with.
Don’t Try to Force or Pressure Him to Show His Emotions
One of the worst things you can do is try and force your husband to open up emotionally, it’s more likely to push him away than it is to bring him closer.
Respect his boundaries, and don’t try to pressure him into talking about his feelings or sharing more than he’s comfortable with.
This will only make him feel defensive and further increase the emotional distance between you.
It might take a long time to get him to open up, but if you love your husband – and I’m sure you do – it’s going to be worth it.
Accept That This Is How Your Husband Is and He Might Not Change
You need to accept that this is how your husband is and that he might not change.
It’s not going to be easy, but you can’t force someone to be something they’re not.
The most you can do is try and help him open up more, but in the end, you need to be okay with the fact that he’s emotionally distant.
If he’s always been this way, then it’s less likely he can change and it should also come as less of a surprise.
However, if he’s become more emotionally distant over time, I think there is hope that you can find out the root cause and offer the appropriate support.
Related – How to deal with guys who are selfish and difficult.
Don’t Resent the Fact That He’s Emotionally Distant
It’s easy to resent your husband for being emotionally distant, but it won’t do you any good.
You need to find a way to accept him for who he is, even if it’s not what you want.
If you can do that, then it will be much easier to deal with the emotional distance in your relationship.
Not only is holding resentment for your husband bad for your relationship, it will also intoxicate you and hold you back from being your best self.
Try and Get Him to See a Therapist
If your husband is open to it, try and get him to see a therapist.
A therapist can help him deal with whatever underlying issues are causing him to be emotionally distant.
Obviously, this is a big step, but it’s going to make a real difference so it’s worth bringing it out into the discussion.
Focus On Your Own Goals and Dreams
If your husband is emotionally distant, it’s easy to get wrapped up in trying to fix the relationship and forget about your own goals and dreams.
But you need to remember that you’re just as important as he is, and you deserve to pursue your own happiness.
So don’t forget about your own needs, make sure you’re taking care of yourself, and focus on your own goals and dreams.
This is one of the most important things you can do, not just for yourself, but also for your relationship.
If you’re happy and fulfilled, it will be much easier to deal with the emotional distance in your relationship.
Related – How living with someone who has no dreams or goals will drag you down.
Can a Marriage Survive Without Emotional Intimacy?
It’s possible for a marriage to survive without emotional intimacy, but it’s not going to be easy.
You need to find a way to accept your husband for who he is, and focus on your own happiness
If you can do that, then you stand a chance of making things work, even if it’s not what you want.
But if you’re not willing to accept your husband for who he is, and if your emotional needs are not being met, then I’m not sure how long the marriage will last.
Only you can decide if you’re willing to make that compromise and find a happy place.
Image credits – Photo by Amir Hosseini on Unsplash
Phil lives in England, UK, and has around 20 years experience as a professional life, career and executive coach. He started this blog to help others find and define their own self development journey. Blogging about a wide range of topics to help facilitate a better future.