Successful marriages are all about healthy communication and listening to each other. However, it's not uncommon for couples to experience periods when talking to each other becomes a challenge and listening is absent. When one or both of you are not responsive, you may have a problem. If the lack of listening continues, it could be a sign that your marriage is in jeopardy.
As you think about the possible causes of this ignoring behavior, be sure to consider how well you are listening and holding space for your partner as well. Remember, it's easy to blame your spouse, but often, faulty communication is a two-way street.
A listening problem in a relationship could be related to many different issues. Common contributing factors include your (or your partner's) method of delivery, personal issues that make either of you unable or unwilling to listen, or some combination of these elements.
If you feel your partner isn't listening, it's worth telling them that. Don't assume they know what you're thinking. They may have no idea that you're feeling ignored.
Next Steps
Interpersonal therapy and counselling
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Health Tips
Your Method of Delivery
Often, the way we say things is just as important as what we're saying. A negative, argumentative tone, roundabout speaking, and/or passive-aggressiveness are just a few of the ways you may be inadvertently sabotaging your conversations.
Excessive Negativity
Does your spouse complain that you are always complaining, whining, or speaking negatively? You may feel justified or think that's their way of deflecting attention on their own negativity. Either way, consider your tone and the way you address the topics you bring up. Even if you're "right," maybe there is a way to discuss the issue in a less accusatory, more positive (or at least neutral) way.
Always focusing on the negative (even when it's justified) can cause others to tune you out. Instead, try focusing on solutions rather than dwelling on problems.
Additionally, rather than simply making accusing statements, such as "You did" this or that, use "I feel" statements to move the conversation into different territory. For example, "I feel ignored when you don't listen to me" is likely to be more effective at getting your partner's attention than just saying, "You never listen."
Reactiveness
Another key reason your spouse may be putting you on mute is if you have a history of overly reactive conversations. They may think you try to push their buttons or just dislike that your talks tend to quickly escalate from calm discussion to argument. Not listening could be a way that they cope or attempt to avoid these reactive fights.
If you find yourself struggling not to become reactive, try taking a breath before speaking or try counting to 10 in your head while you figure out what you really want to say—and consider alternative meanings to what you just heard from your partner before jumping to conclusions. Pause and take a break if either of you gets too angry to continue talking productively. Remember that you love each other.
The goal of your conversations should be to learn about, support, and listen to each other—not simply to win