First things first, do men even emotionally connect with others? They must, right? There are many people with successful marriages and relationships, which means that the men in those relationships managed to emotionally connect with their partners.
However, a lot of women struggle to have that connection with men. And it makes sense because men are not the most forthcoming in opening up and connecting. It goes against all things male code.
Still, with time, they can learn to feel safe and open up to emotional connection. And for that to happen, there are a few things worth learning and considering.
Emotional intimacy is wonderful, but it is also delicate. As long as you are not dealing with an emotionally unavailable man, there is hope.
Keep reading to gain insight into what you should know about emotionally connecting with him. But first, here’s what men think about emotional connection.
When it comes to emotional connections, men aren’t as different from women as you might think. A lot of people assume men don’t care about emotions or deep conversations, and it can seem that way because of well, how they act! But underneath the ‘I don’t do emotions’ persona is a man who wants to connect.
There are many men who value the opportunity to emotionally connect with someone, though they may express it in different ways or take longer to open up.
It can happen to anyone, depending on what they go through. Even you can be emotionally closed off after a bad breakup. But that does not mean that you do not want to eventually open up and connect.
For some men, the idea of a deep emotional connection can be a bit scary or unfamiliar. It is very common if they’ve been raised to believe that showing feelings is a sign of weakness.
But deep down, a lot of men want to emotionally connect with the people they care about, whether it’s a partner, friend, or family member. When a man feels safe and trusted, he’s more likely to share his thoughts and feelings, building stronger relationships.
It’s important to remember that people express emotions differently. Some may not be as verbal about their feelings but can still emotionally connect through actions like being supportive, spending time together, or doing something kind.
For men, showing love and care isn’t always about talking—it can also be about “doing.” That’s why getting to know his love language can really help.
Many men crave emotional connections in romantic relationships. They might take a different route to get there, but once they feel that bond, they value it deeply.
Emotional connections allow them to feel more secure, understood, and loved in their relationships, which is a necessary part of being human for all of us.
So yes, that man who’s been looking curious yet confused is still interested in an emotional connection. He’s just scared of handling it in what he thinks would be best for his masculinity.
So, while he figures that out, there are a few things worth looking over about connecting with a man. Consider the following:
Men and women often connect differently; you know this. While you may want emotional closeness through sharing feelings, men might prefer bonding through physical activities or spending quiet time together.
You could be expecting deep conversations and miss out on how he expresses affection, like holding your hand during a movie. It’s small enough to fall through the cracks, but that’s how he sees emotional connection.
To emotionally connect with a man means to understand and respect how he prefers to show closeness.
If you are trying to get him to open up, it’s best not to approach it directly. Emotional connection is one of those things people interpret differently, so telling him to connect with you emotionally could mean a lot of different things.
It can quickly turn frustrating for you and him. So take the easy route and ask him about his day, work, or hobbies, and listen carefully when he shares.
People, even men, appreciate when their partner takes an interest in what matters to them. Showing interest in his world helps build an emotional bond. It makes him feel valued and understood, which strengthens your connection.
When you share your emotions, it’s important to do so without expecting an immediate response or validation. Men may not always react the way you hope, but that doesn’t mean they don’t care.
For example, you could talk to him about a bad day, but he won’t respond with a lot of emotion. But it does not mean that he’s not listening or does not care. Being open without pressure helps build trust and makes it easier to emotionally connect.
Timing matters when you’re trying to emotionally connect. You don’t play upbeat music at a funeral because you read the room. The same goes when you are trying to emotionally connect with a man.
Avoid bringing up important or emotional topics when he’s busy or stressed. For example, if he just got home from a trip or is focused on a project, give him space before starting a deep conversation.
Waiting for the right moment goes a long way toward making sure that he’s more receptive to what you have to say, making it easier to connect.
Finally, as with all matters of the heart, patience is necessary! Building an emotional connection takes time and patience. If he’s not as open as you would like, give him space and show understanding.
Over time, as he feels more comfortable, he may open up more. Being patient and accepting of his emotional pace helps you build a deeper, lasting connection.
But it’s important to know that patience can only go on for so long. Giving him time does not mean sitting around and waiting forever. So, as you wait, don’t wait forever.
So there you have it! If I were to summarize all this in a few words, it would be that men want to emotionally connect; it’s just going to take time.
It’s also worth remembering that emotionally connecting takes effort, but the rewards of a closer, more fulfilling relationship are worth it. Don’t be afraid to emotionally connect with him; he probably wants it a lot more than you do!
Waithira Njagi is a seasoned wellness and relationship content writer with nearly a decade of experience. Her passion for helping others navigate the complexities of personal growth and connection shines through in her engaging and insightful writing.
With a knack for distilling complex topics into easily digestible pieces, Waithira's work is geared toward readers seeking guidance and inspiration on their journey to holistic well-being.
When she's not crafting engaging articles, you can find Waithira curled up with a stack of romance novels– always rooting for love to win– or enjoying quality time with her beloved family. Her dedication to spreading love and positivity is evident in everything she creates.
Waithira is here to remind you that life, much like their stories, is a tapestry of connections - to loved ones, and the endless adventures found in books.