Don’t rush them through their pain.
Saying things like, “I know how you feel” or comparing someone’s tough time to your friend’s aunt’s boyfriend’s struggle and how he made it through is not helpful, it’s frustrating and downright annoying. No one likes a know it all, especially when you are navigating tough waters. Sure, you have good intentions but this tends to minimize their issues and will eventually have your better half stifling his pain and closing you out.
Let your better half know that the pain he is feeling is real and he can move through it with you by his side. Tough times can sometimes get messy, but if you try to push someone through it they might not heal the correct way. Sit with them, listen to them, and be honest when times get tough. Let your significant other be angry, sad and cry when needed. Let your significant other be whatever he needs to be, and resist the urge to fix or heal him. Just be with your significant other.
