I have come across many husbands who do not even notice when their wives are unhappy or emotionally withdrawn. I have also seen wives who are oblivious of their husband’s mood swing.

As a spouse, you should be able to understand when your spouse is unhappy. By observing his/her mood, you can easily tell if he/she is bothered by something or if he/she is emotionally withdrawing.

Some spouses make the grave mistake of ignoring their partners who are emotionally distant. They assume their spouses will come out of their emotional withdrawal when they are ready. This is a wrong attitude. Ignoring your spouse will further drive him/her away from you because he/she may feel you do not care. And this can annoy them the more.

At such moments when your spouse begins to withdraw emotionally, you should be more alert. Spend more time with your partner and constantly assure him/her of your love.

Husbands should note that some days before, during or after their wives’ menstrual cycle, doctors have researched that some females are prone to bouts of depression and mood swing. This also occurs during some phases of pregnancy. With this understanding, men should be more attentive to their wives at such moments.

When you notice your spouse is beginning to withdraw emotionally from you, make constant efforts to reach out with actions of love and peace to change the situation. Avoid arguments and quarrels at such periods. Little things like preparing a favourite dish, bringing home a surprise gift, going out to his/her favourite spots among others, go a long way to make things better. If you cannot handle the emotional withdrawal circle, go for counselling.

What of when your children withdraw emotionally? This can be due to teenage stress, depression, negative influence, demons among others.
They may just get moody for no reason and emotionally withdrawn into their shells.

Medical experts have associated these bouts of emotional withdrawal to the hormonal changes that take place during the years of transition from childhood to adulthood. Some may be bad behaviour or even demonic.
Love you!

A parent’s response to an emotionally withdrawn child can contribute either in making the child withdraw more or making him/her come out of his/her shell. Parents should be sensitive enough to notice when their children’s moods change. Instead of getting angry at the child for withdrawing emotionally, show more love at this stage. Your anger will only drive that child away from you. All the child needs is constant love.

Lovingly sit your child down and ask questions like: “I can see you are sad/angry/hurt tell me what the problem is, so, we can solve it together.” Even if the child refuses to respond, keep showering him/her with love and after a short while, that child will budge.

Do not lose your children. Show them love and give them practical ways that they can use in making themselves happy. Parents should try as much as possible to ignore some of the errors their children make at such periods and instead provide the necessary level of love and companionship that will bring them out of their emotional withdrawal. Love you!