Sensitive or difficult topics are ones that many partners shy away from when it comes to conversations at home or elsewhere. While talking about how your day went or the weather are easy topics to discuss, many are quite uncomfortable. So, how do you make these subjects ones that you can discuss more openly than before?
Examples of Sensitive Topics
Among the most difficult to talk about for many couples are intimacy issues. These problems can be emotional or physical.
Perhaps he is not able to perform the way he wants to in the bedroom, for example. Or, perhaps you prefer that he be more spontaneous when he kisses you than he has been in the past.
How do you bring up a topic that can make the other person feel inferior? Also, you likely feel vulnerable when voicing your feelings about the topic. Either of those reasons can make it a difficult conversation, yet moving your relationship into a healthier place involves talking about the issues.
Thankfully, there are ways to make these talks more comfortable for both people. The tips below are helpful in this regard.
Put Yourself in Their Shoes
To start with, try to understand how your partner’s previous experiences have led them to be in the position they are in now. For example, if they do not show affection easily toward you, consider why that might be.
Rather than instantly assuming it’s because you’re not attractive, a more realistic possibility is that he was not shown affection by his parents or in his previous relationships. To help you get to the root of the issue, do your best to listen to what he is saying and try to understand his viewpoints.
Be Empathetic
Rather than talking down to your partner, speak respectfully to them. Empathize with how they are likely feeling as well; keep in mind that just as it is difficult for you to talk about the issue, it is also hard for them to bring it up too.
Talk about your concerns and thoughts about ED treatment or another way to solve the sensitive issue. Give your spouse time to talk, too, and don’t interrupt them.
When it comes to physical intimacy and your partner experiences pain, you can help your partner by performing dilator therapy together. Physical therapists often recommend this to help with pelvic floor and sexual health concerns. Using the right silicone vaginal dilators can help relieve pelvic muscle strain and other issues that might lead to sex pain or discomfort.
Don’t Put It All on Your Partner
Whether it is a difference in opinions about what’s best for your kids or something else, your relationship will not be a healthy one if you continually blame one another. Assigning blame is a toxic activity that can stop a productive conversation in its tracks.
If you worry that you will engage in the blame game when in a conversation with your partner about a complicated topic, then rehearse what you will say ahead of time. Doing so will help you keep your composure and actively listen to your significant other.
Final Tip: Time the Conversation Well
Lastly, find a reasonable time to have this difficult conversation. Rather than having it while they feel trapped beside you in a car, for example, have it at home when you both have the time in your day for the discussion.
These suggestions can help you two to communicate better about a range of topics and feel that you can come to a solution together. Having hard conversations can make you a stronger couple in the long run.