It can be frustrating trying to communicate with a partner who bottles up their emotions. Instead of bugging them to say what's on their minds, consider "inviting" them to express what they are feeling and you might get better results.

Over at World of Psychology, they interviewed relationship expert Jared DeFife about couple communications. He suggested the invitation idea to help your partner open up:

"People aren't going to come over unless they're invited. You have to send out the invitation," DeFife said. The same is true for emotions. This might mean creating a regular routine where you and your partner sit down to discuss emotions. If your partner isn't ready to share their feelings at that time, this might mean scheduling a time when they are, he said."

An invitation to talk lets your partner take a raincheck or delay the conversation. That approach is better than giving an order like "We need to talk." After all, it's rude to decline an invitation.

Check out the link for some other ways of helping your partner talk about emotions.

When Your Partner Has Difficulty Expressing Emotion | World of Psychology

Photo by Craig Lottus.