The Truth About Men And Feelings
By Christian Carter. Posted on .
Author of best-selling eBook Catch Him & Keep Him and free newsletter.
Guys get a bad rap when it comes to feelings. Basically, people think we don't have them, don't want to share them, and don't want to listen to them, either. But that's not true. Let me tell you about what's really going on for men when it comes to feelings, and show you how you can use this knowledge to build a solid foundation for a secure, lasting relationship.
UNDERSTAND THAT WE DON'T FEEL THE WAY YOU DO
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A lot of the pain and frustration I see women in results from thinking that when it comes to feelings, men function like women. But the truth is that we have a much harder time processing and handling feelings than you do. We're not as good at it. We also don't have the extensive support system that women have, which explains why men escape into things like work, sports, and the television.
If you can understand this and learn to work with us instead of against us, you're already getting a huge advantage when it comes to men and relationships. The other thing to remember is that as men, we want to fix things. And we get really frustrated when we can't. Which brings me to...
TAKE THE PRESSURE OFF HIM TO "FIX" YOUR FEELINGS
Of course, you want a man to acknowledge and satisfy your feelings and desires. It's a man's place in a relationship to be a good partner, to care for you, to listen, to be a great lover, to connect, to be loyal, and to share.
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But, when you demand that a man meet your emotional needs and you "lean" on him out of your own fears, frustrations, and uncertainty, you are setting both of you up for disappointment. No relationship can meet all your emotional needs. Relationships are supposed to be about growth, and not about becoming dependent on someone else meeting your emotional needs at any time you want.
TAKE THE LEAD IN POSITIVE COMMUNICATION
Now that you know you are much more adept at feeling your feelings and sharing them, use this knowledge to create a supportive environment for good communication with your man. How? First, always try to come from a place of compassion and understanding. I know this is hard to do, but think about it – you get what you give. And you will get a lot further with a man when you approach your interactions with him this way. Understand that he doesn't "get” feelings and communication the way you do.
