How Hunting Can Help Men Improve Their Emotional Conversation Skills

Twelve hunting tips for a deeper connection with your partner

Photo by Rhett Noonan on Unsplash

Early on in my relationship with my partner, I remember sitting together in a restaurant at the end of a workday that hadn’t gone well for me. When my partner noticed that I was feeling a little out of sorts, he frantically started trying to find ways to elevate my mood. His efforts had the opposite effect, making me feel like I needed to immediately perk up and pretend that I was in a “happy place.”

Sometimes that’s OK, but there are times when emotional work just seems too exhausting, especially after a trying day. So I told him, “I see that you are trying to help me, but please don’t feel responsible for my state of mind. I am working through things. It’s not your problem to solve. Sometimes it is what it is, just give me a bit of time.” He relaxed, and I slowly came out of my head funk thanks to our lighthearted conversation and a lovely dinner.

When it comes to supporting a loved one, the safest bet is to ask the question: Do you want to be hugged, heard, or helped? Then, just wait until your partner chooses one of the three options. For me, asking this question works better than saying something like “help me help you” (unless I have chosen the third option: being…