I’m interested in hearing from men who identify as emotionally avoidant, emotionally reserved, or someone who has historically struggled with emotional conversations. I’m trying to understand the internal experience of people who process emotions differently than others. Some people seem to naturally sit with difficult emotions, talk through them, and explore them. Others seem to experience strong emotions, especially from another person as overwhelming, stressful, or something they need to solve, escape, or defend against. For those who relate to the second group: What does it feel like internally when someone brings a strong emotion to you? Does it feel like pressure, criticism, failure, conflict, or something else? Is the instinct to explain, fix, withdraw, or defend yourself something you’re aware of? Did you always process emotions this way, or did it develop over time? What helped you become more comfortable with emotions and vulnerability? I’m especially curious about people who used to struggle with this and gained more awareness over time. What changed? submitted by /u/MicheleW921
Originally posted by u/MicheleW921 on r/AskMen