Many couples struggle with communication and emotional intimacy because of one partner's avoidant behavior. An avoidant partner is someone who has difficulty being vulnerable and expressing their emotions, often because they fear rejection or criticism. Basically, they are protecting themselves. They will retreat from you to feel emotional safety but this feeling of safety is temporary at best and damaging to the other person at worst.
If you're in a relationship with an avoidant partner, it can be frustrating and challenging. But there are things you can do to help your partner open up and build a stronger, more fulfilling relationship.
It's important to understand that avoidant behavior is often rooted in childhood experiences. If your partner grew up in an environment where expressing emotions was discouraged or punished, it's likely that they learned to suppress their feelings as a coping mechanism. It's not something they can simply snap out of or change overnight.
With that in mind, here are some tips for working with an avoidant partner because I will need YOU to be the courageous one to make the first step to offer what your partner needs to feel safe:
1.    Validate their feelings: Avoidant partners often feel like their emotions aren't valid or important, so it's essential to let them know that you hear and understand them. Even if you don't agree with their perspective, acknowledge their feelings and show empathy.
2.    Be patient: Avoidant partners may take longer to open up and trust you. Don't push them or force them to share more than they're comfortable with. Instead, create a safe space for them to express themselves at their own pace.
3.    Avoid criticism: Criticizing an avoidant partner will only make them retreat further. Instead, focus on positive reinforcement and praise when they do share their feelings or make progress in the relationship.
4. Respect their need for space: While it's important to build emotional intimacy in a relationship, it's equally important to respect your partner's need for space and independence. Don't try to force them to spend all their time with you or constantly talk about your feelings. Allow them to have their own time and space.