Posted November 29, Reviewed by Abigail Fagan. Jill and Dan settle into opposite ends of the large sofa in my office, across from where I sit. They tell me they want help with a chronic dissatisfaction they both experience β about not getting the support they want and need from the other. I ask for examples, and both quickly jump in:. And you even went to a meeting that same night, instead of staying with me, when I needed you.
I felt a responsibility to be there. Of course I knew you were hurting, and I left as soon as I could. What about just comforting me?
I was crying all day, and you could have at least helped out with the children, given the state I was in. My friends were more supportive than you were.
Go deal with it. Both Jill and Dan continued to describe their feelings of loss and disappointment over not receiving more emotional support from the other, around issues both big and small. And, they said, that had gotten worse over the years of their marriage. They say they want more support for their needs, both verbally and in action.
Being open to receiving support is crucial for a connected, caring relationship. Research has found that being open to receiving emotional and social support is linked with greater health, overall. Neither Jill nor Dan are unreceptive or reluctant to receive it, as they so strongly point out.
