💞 Stronger Together – Relationship Skills for Lasting Partnerships *coming soon
Course overview
Lesson Overview

3.46 – Responding When Your Partner Shuts Down: Emotional shutdown can look like withdrawal, silence, or disengagement. Responding with pressure often worsens the disconnect. The key is patience—creating emotional safety rather than demanding reaction. Soft questions like “Would you like some time before we talk?” show respect and empathy. This response communicates care without intrusion. Recognizing that shutting down is often a defense mechanism allows compassion to lead. Giving gentle reassurance helps the partner reengage at their own pace. The goal is not to force dialogue but to rebuild trust in communication. Over time, consistent patience teaches both partners that safety, not urgency, leads to openness.

About this course

Guidance and strategies to help couples build trust, communicate effectively, and strengthen their partnership for long-term success.

This course includes:
  • Communication and conflict resolution practice activities
  • Trust-building and intimacy exercises
  • Partnership goal-setting templates and tools

Our platform is HIPAA, Medicaid, Medicare, and GDPR-compliant. We protect your data with secure systems, never sell your information, and only collect what is necessary to support your care and wellness. learn more

Allow