Post by Rick Redner on May 2, 2013 13:05:05 GMT -5
Lately I've been hearing too many stories of men simply shutting down and shutting out their wives out once they've received a diagnosis of prostate cancer. While the wives are wanting to get information about various treatment possibilities, and wanting to discuss their feelings about the anxiety, fear or terror they experience. Sadly too many men have simply withdrawn into themselves. They ignore or actively push their partner away.
To the men who are doing this: Please take note your behavior is very unhealthy and relationally damaging. Your partner needs you NOW and believe it or not you need her as well. If you begin this journey isolated from one another, your isolation will increase over time and seriously damage your relationship.
To the shut out partner- If you find that your partner is unwilling or unable to let you in and share both their concerns and your concerns, there isn't much you can do, other than ask in different ways and in different phases of the journey. In the meantime you need support! Find and on line group or a same sex friend, who can help and support you. Don't go through this frightening journey alone. If your partner refuses to make themselves available to you find other sources of support.
Here's a thread to share the type of support you need right now and/or what is happening in your relationship.
To the men who are doing this: Please take note your behavior is very unhealthy and relationally damaging. Your partner needs you NOW and believe it or not you need her as well. If you begin this journey isolated from one another, your isolation will increase over time and seriously damage your relationship.
Now is the time to draw close to one another so you begin this journey together instead of separately.
To the shut out partner- If you find that your partner is unwilling or unable to let you in and share both their concerns and your concerns, there isn't much you can do, other than ask in different ways and in different phases of the journey. In the meantime you need support! Find and on line group or a same sex friend, who can help and support you. Don't go through this frightening journey alone. If your partner refuses to make themselves available to you find other sources of support.
Here's a thread to share the type of support you need right now and/or what is happening in your relationship.