How to Handle a Man’s Distance in a Relationship
When you’ve been in a relationship for a while, you may notice that your man starts to pull away. This can be a difficult and confusing time, leaving you feeling rejected and unsure of what to do.
But don’t worry, we’ve got a 3-step process that can help you manage your emotions and handle your man’s distance.
Step 1: Pause
The first thing you need to do when your man starts to pull away is to pause.
This means taking a step back and doing nothing. It’s natural to want to overreact and try to fix things right away, but this sense of urgency is only going to make things worse.
So, take a deep breath and remind yourself that it’s okay to do nothing for now. You may also find it helpful to take some time apart.
This doesn’t mean breaking up, but rather taking some space for yourself to gather your thoughts and emotions. Find a quiet place where you can be alone and get in touch with your emotional center.
This could be a walk in nature, a yoga class, or simply taking a long bath.
Step 2: Distract Yourself
While it’s important to process your emotions, you also need to distract yourself from thinking about the situation nonstop.
This means finding ways to keep yourself busy and engaged in other activities. You might take on a new hobby, spend time with friends and family, or even start a new project at work.
It’s important to note that distracting yourself doesn’t mean avoiding your emotions altogether. It simply means finding ways to balance your thoughts and emotions.
By giving yourself a mental break, you will be better equipped to deal with the situation when you are ready to confront it.
Step 3: Manage Your Emotions
When you feel ready to confront the situation, it’s important to manage your emotions in a healthy way.
This means not letting negative feelings overwhelm you, but rather acknowledging them and taking steps to work through them. One of the best ways to manage your emotions is to talk to someone you trust.
This could be a close friend, family member, or therapist. By opening up to someone else, you can gain a fresh perspective and receive support during this difficult time.
You might also find it helpful to practice self-care routines, such as exercise, meditation, and mindfulness. These practices not only help you manage your emotions, but also increase your overall sense of well-being.
Step 3 Continued: Manage Your Mixed Emotions When He Does Get in Touch
After taking some time apart and distracting yourself, your man may eventually come back into your life. At this point, you might find that you have mixed emotions – thrilled to have him back, but also angry or hurt by his previous distance.
It can be challenging to manage these emotions and respond to him in a healthy way. Here are some tips to help you navigate this situation:
- Acknowledge your mixed emotions: When your man returns, take a moment to check in with yourself and identify how you are feeling. Are you thrilled to have him back? Are you still angry or hurt by his previous distance? Recognizing your emotions can help you respond to your man more authentically and stand up for yourself in a healthy way if needed.
- Do not vent any negative emotions: While it’s important to be honest about how you feel, it’s crucial that you do not take out your anger or hurt on your man. Venting negative emotions can be tempting but can quickly lead to punishing him or even destroying your relationship. Instead, focus on communicating your needs and desires in a positive and healthy way.
- Use sugar, not vinegar: When you communicate with your partner, it’s essential to focus on the positive aspects of your relationship. This means using positive language, showing appreciation for what you value in your relationship, and expressing your emotions in a way that doesn’t attack or blame your partner.
- Slow down: Similar to Step 2, it’s important to slow down and not rush into any decisions or conversations with your partner. Take time to ensure that you are thinking clearly and have a broader perspective. This can help you communicate more effectively and help your partner to understand where you’re coming from.
- Try something new: Lastly, try to find a new hobby or volunteer work. It’s an excellent way to regain a sense of purpose and accomplishment while also distracting yourself from the ups and downs of your relationship. Plus, trying something new can help you gain a fresh perspective and expand your worldview.
Conclusion
Dealing with a man who pulls away can be a complicated experience.
However, by following these three steps – pause, distract yourself, and manage your emotions healthily, you can gain a new perspective and better manage your emotions when your man does come back. Remember to acknowledge and manage your emotions, use positive language, and slow down to make the best decisions for you and your relationship.
Why Do Men Pull Away?
When a man pulls away in a relationship, it can be painful and confusing.
You may find yourself wondering what went wrong or if you did something to push him away. However, there are many reasons why a man might pull away that have nothing to do with you or the relationship.
Here are some of the common reasons why men pull away:
- Obliviousness: Sometimes, men can be oblivious to their partner’s emotional needs. They may become self-absorbed and not realize how their actions are affecting the relationship. In this situation, it’s important to communicate openly and honestly about your feelings with your partner so he is aware.
- Doing Anything: Some men pull away because of a preoccupation with something else. They may be focused on work, a project or a sport, and feel that they don’t have the bandwidth to also focus on the relationship. In these situations, it’s necessary to respect their independent pursuits while also maintaining connectedness between partners.
- Big Difference: A man might pull away if there is a big difference in the couple’s lifestyles, goals, and values. For instance, when a partner wants to have kids and the other doesn’t. Or one may have a drug-free ethos, and the other likes to party. Regardless, it’s important to work on finding a compromise, if possible.
- Feeling trapped in the relationship: Similar to the fear of entrapment, some men may feel suffocated and trapped in a relationship. This could stem from a lack of personal space, constant nagging, or fighting. It’s important for partners to have time to spend with friends independently of the relationship and to regularly reaffirm their commitment to each other.
- Not venting anger: Oftentimes, men withdraw when they’re upset about something. If they feel unheard or unappreciated, they may internalize their feelings instead of expressing themselves. If you can sense that your partner is upset or withdrawn, encourage him to open up and discuss what is going on.
- Deep Talk: Some men find it hard to have deep conversations, and when they are in deep conversations, it can feel overwhelming particularly if it’s a topic they have been avoiding discussing or are unsure of their feelings about.
In conclusion
There are many reasons why a man might pull away in a relationship, ranging from lack of emotional awareness to feeling trapped. It’s essential to communicate openly with your partner and listen to their perspectives as well.
Don’t immediately jump to the conclusion that it must only be because of the relationship, work together to discover the true reason and navigate it from there in a healthy way. With open communication and mutual support, you can navigate the ups and downs of a relationship and emerge stronger and further enriched than before.
In conclusion
Managing a relationship when a man pulls away can be stressful and emotional. However, there are ways to handle these situations positively.
First, you need to pause, gather your thoughts and emotions, then distract yourself and manage your emotional state in a healthy way. Second, try new hobbies and activities to broaden your perspective and find a healthy balance.
Lastly, it’s important to recognize that there are numerous reasons why men pull away, and it’s essential to communicate openly and honestly with your partner. Through these steps and healthy communication, you can navigate the challenges and strengthen your relationship, even when it seems like things are falling apart.
