Relationship Tips · Dec 02, 2021

How to Help Your Partner To Open Up (Or Become More Open Yourself)

Opening up emotionally can feel like a daunting task for many, but it’s the foundation of any healthy, lasting relationship. The ability to share your thoughts, fears, and desires with your partner creates an environment of trust and security, which is essential for both partners to feel truly connected.

Yet, for many, past experiences or personal fears can make being vulnerable a challenge. Overcoming these barriers is key to building a relationship that not only survives but thrives.

Emotional vulnerability is vital because it allows couples to connect on a deeper level, fostering a bond built on trust, understanding, and genuine intimacy. Without open communication, misunderstandings, resentment, and distance can creep in.

How to Help your Partner to Open Up (Or to Become More Open Yourself)

ASK QUESTIONS

This is an obvious suggestion, but it is so important, it just cannot be skipped.

If you want an open communication with your partner, use open-ended questions (like simple questions such as “How do you feel?; Is there anything you would like to tell me?”) to open up the conversation. Asking open-ended questions stimulates deeper thinking and encourages further conversation. When you ask open-ended questions, it is more likely that your partner will open up to you.

It can be hard to talk about certain things at first, but once one person opens up, it makes it easier for the other person to open up too. As a great conversation starter you can try our Conversation Games, each having 100 thematic questions about various topics.

BE PRESENT

To get your partner to open up, make time for each other every day. Basically, spend time together. You don't have to set aside a specific time of day or anything like that - just choose some time when neither of you is tired or busy and both of you are in a good mood. Or, of course, if punctuality is your thing, plan things ahead and schedule a date activity.

To open up to someone, we must trust the other person and one way to earn trust is to be there for that person, so spending time together while doing something fun, even so simple as going to a park or watching a movie can help open up your partner.

LEARN TO UNDERSTAND YOUR PARTNER

One of the most important ways to open up is by being empathetic. And empathy comes from understanding, and understanding comes from listening. And by listening we mean truly listening – hear what your partner has to say, listen to all the details, like tone of voice, to the words he/she chooses, and most importantly – don’t judge. If you will listen and immediately start to judge, it can make your partner immediately close up.

Sometimes judging is being done with good intent – even if you only comment or make a suggestion about something what your partner told you, it can make him/her feel judged. So, it is important to voice your own opinion only when you know your partner is asking for one.

If you listen without judging or rushing, it shows that you care and that you are willing to understand and be open to everything your partner is telling you. Being open-minded and trying not to jump to conclusions makes opening up easier for both people in the relationship.

How to become more open in a relationship

BE PATIENT

Although open communication is really great for your relationship, remember that it takes time and effort to be open with someone else. It isn't something that happens overnight and requires support from both parties.

If you feel uncomfortable, don’t push it and take a step back, and try again later. But be sure not to post pone it over and over again. Nothing good comes out, when rushed or under pressure, but, if you want to open up, you have to start communicating eventually. Either way, communication with your partner is one of the best ways to ensure a happy future together.

FIRST, BE PATIENT, THEN - LISTEN

We can't stress enough how important being open-minded and avoiding jumping to conclusions is. Don't give up if open communication doesn't start immediately, just being there and being patient is a great way to show your partner that you care, you are present, and ready to listen.

Take their hand, look into their eyes and ask them "How do you feel today?" The first few times might be clumsy or awkward but don't give up! You will find what works for you both with time and effort! And always keep an eye out for signs that your partner is ready to take it further - they might show interest by asking questions about yourself, wanting to know details about something you are doing, or expressing some small details about their day, that might seem insignificant on the surface, but actually is a signal that they want to have a deeper conversation.

TRY OUR CONVERSATION GAMES

Joyful Couple Conversation Games can help you open up and have meaningful conversations. Conversation Games help spark meaningful conversations that deepen your intimacy, and they help you learn how to have those tough discussions that keep love alive!

These Games will bring you closer together and create a long-lasting relationship built on trust and honesty. They are simple, easy to use, inexpensive with proven results. You'll be able to express yourself more freely in the safety of your own home without feeling judged or rushed. The more you play, the greater your communication skills become. And best of all it's fun! Talk about an amazing return on investment.

WANT TO KNOW MORE (be curious)

Sometimes there will be misunderstandings or miscommunication so approach these conversations as an opportunity to learn something new about each other - maybe they misunderstood what happened because they were tired or preoccupied at the time.

When you approach it as a learning opportunity, the conversation becomes less weighty and more about understanding, and later on – with a deeper meaning. If we express true curiosity, it is always a great signal for the other party that it is a safe environment to become more open. Just don't go over the edge, because, if you will be "too" curious, and start bombarding your partner with countless questions, it can become burdensome and feel like an interrogation. So, be curious, but don't overdo it.

Communication is key to a successful relationship, so we hope that you enjoyed these tips, and they will help you become more open with your partner, and create a stronger bond between the two of you!

If we missed anything important, please, be sure to leave comment or write us a message to info@joyful-couple.com