I’m hoping to hear from people who tend to keep their feelings to themselves My boyfriend (30M) and I (28F) have been together for a while, and overall he’s incredibly caring and emotionally supportive. Whenever I’m going through something, he listens, comforts me, and makes me feel really loved. The thing I sometimes struggle with is that he rarely opens up about his own problems, what he’s going through, but he didn’t want to talk about it further. When things like that happen, he tends to shut down and process things on his own. I respect his space and not push him to talk if he’s not ready. At the same time, I sometimes wish he’d let me be there for him the way he’s there for me. So I’m curious to hear from people who are like this: what actually helps you feel safe enough to open up? Is there anything a partner can do that makes sharing easier, or is giving space usually the best support? I really care about him and just want to support him in the way that feels right for him. submitted by /u/mirana77
Originally posted by u/mirana77 on r/AskMen
As a male, its not easy to open up emotionally to others. As kids we are expected to be stoic because emotions show weakness/vulnerability. Speaking for myself, maybe others can relate, I need to feel safe. If I express an emotion or feeling it helps to have it validated and not dismissed.
You are allowed to have emotions. You are the only one who can control your emotions. No one else is allowed to blame you for their emotions.