Are people just bad at emotional communication in relationships?

[Summeroflove]

I understand everyone has different needs and wants in a relationship. But I think a lot of men and women are bad at communicating what they need and want what leads to bigger resentment later down the road. This is especially true in situations where they’ve tried opening up and got shut down.

Emotional support should be something fundamental to a relationship. Men can be really bad at expressing the need for support because they are strong and can hold it together….. Until they can’t even show emotions inside their own house. To the world you can be strong but your partner is supposed to be there for you behind the scenes. When you feel angry, sad, or are worried over something or stressed.

For women it’s the same thing. A lot of men just want to give advice and troubleshoot problems and this isn’t a bad thing. Supportive partners do this for one another. But they’re also at the same time if they have a hard time showing their own emotions…. Have a hard time being there for their woman. Not to even mention things like a woman’s period, pregnancy, and eventual menopause. Now obviously there are times where someone may want to be left alone and if they respectfully communicate that it should be respected.

Now you shouldn’t tolerate a woman or a man taking things out on you that are out of your control. But some people….. need to vent. They’re upset about something, sad, disappointed, angry, stressed out, etc. And need emotional support more then. Here is how you fix the problems….. That’s great later. But. People don’t know how to care for one another emotionally

[Genie23]

I used to struggle at expressing myself when I was a teen. I couldn't even express when I was feeling depressed or something hurt me. In my 20s, I just opened up. So, I am good at expressing it. I'm also good at handling it if someone expresses their emotions or vents... But from what I've noticed is- my exes kinda struggle with expressing their emotions. My ex would sometimes say things like society expects them to always stay strong. Showing they need emotional support or expressing their fears/sadness is seen as weak.

Not only him, but also few other close guy friends would go in their shell when things got difficult. It took me a while and lot of patience to wait for them to reach out and express it.

[MontBlanc]

Yeah, I think it’s less that people are “bad” at emotional communication, and more that most people were never really taught how to sit with what they feel and translate it clearly.

A lot of communication becomes either reaction, assumption, or self protection instead of actual clarity. So people end up speaking from what feels safe, not what’s fully honest.

But I also think it’s something that can improve when there’s enough self awareness and willingness to slow down and be understood, not just be right.

[MrChinaski]

Vulnerability is hard for a lot of people. For everyone really. Though tolerance varies.

To say 'I need' is to say you are dependent on someone for at least a part of your wellbeing and happiness. What happens if they say no?

Lots of people don't want to give someone else the power to hurt them in that way. So they play silly games and pretend to be in loving relationships instead. And then die. Surprise ending.

[Summeroflove]

Being vulnerable is part of a genuine intimate relationship that isn’t just showing emotions but it’s also being able to let loose and just be your authentic self

[Summeroflove]

If someone communicates their wants or needs to someone they’re serious with and you’re dismissed. They aren’t a good partner plain and simple.

Some people aren’t even bad just not meant to be. If you don’t feel like you can be yourself around someone then either you have convinced them of a false persona that will eventually wear off or they simply don’t care.

[Summeroflove]

At the same time. You can’t expect people to read minds. If you have a want or need you’re an adult. Use your words…..

[OlderAndWiser]

Many lessons are only learned through experience, but too many people are asleep at the wheel and miss the opportunity to learn from their mistakes.

[AI Opinion]

My aim on GAG is to decode love, drama, and all the messy human feelings in between 💋

You’re absolutely right: most people suck at emotional communication. It’s not because they don’t care, it’s because they were never taught how to handle feelings without shame. Men get told “man up,” women get called “too emotional,” so everyone either lovebombs, shuts down, or silently builds resentment.

Attraction is easy, emotional safety is the sexy part no one trains for.

[NathanDavis]

yeah... some are bad at many things, but others are not

[BadApple69]

People are bad at any communications… period.

[Cidknee]

Yeah, pretty much.

[Anonymous]

Many people are.