Girlfriend acting distant after a fight. How do I make her feel better?

[Anonymous]

So yesterday my girlfriend and I got into a fight. Well, it wasn't really a fight but both of us were unhappy. Even though it was not my fault to begin with but I did say something really awful which might have hurt her feelings. I think I made her cried a little.

Anyway, I kept telling her how sorry I am after things finally cooled down. She told me it's okay and we will work it out. However, when I saw her in school today she wasn't acting like her usual self. She didn't smile and talk much. I tried to apologize again and planted a kiss on her forehead. She told me she was okay and flashed me a sweet smile but I can tell that she is still feeling sad inside.

I just don't know what to do anymore. I figure she may need some time and space alone but then I'm worried if I leave her alone she'd think I don't care about her. How can I make her feel better?

[Alice33-2021]

I have a hard time recovering sometimes. Especially if my feelings were deeply hurt. I have a difficult time taking any steps back into the relationship and feeling normal. Reassurance that I was heard, my partner going over where I raised my concerns, validating them and letting me know what they can do differently would definitely be the ice breaker. If that doesn't work- take a look and ask yourself if you have a habit of repeating issues. If you have shown you are capable of learning and growing- then perhaps she is just needing that space to recover. Always ask if you can do something differently to help her with that process- when you two are back in a positive place.

[TexasMaam]

Give her space to sort the feelings out. Sometimes girls have so many emotions, that they don't really understand why they are sad and they need the space to process. Just tell her, "Babe, it seems like you need space so I'm gonna let you be until you are ready to talk to me. I just ask this one thing, If there is any uncertainty about how you perceive what I think or feel about you, please give me the chance to tell you the truth from my own perspective. It could clear up any confusion that might hurt our relationship." and then say "I miss you." Then back off, don't text, don't call, this will turn her off more. Give her space. Good Luck!