Relationship Emotional Needs
Understanding your partner is key to knowing what his or her emotional needs are. If you inform your partner of your emotional needs, your partner will better understand you.
When you understand what your partner’s emotional needs are, and he or she understands yours, then it is possible to find positive ways to fulfill them.
On the other hand, if there is a need, but it has not been identified or shared, it may then be expressed in a negative way, such as anger, rejection, or moodiness, etc.
3 Ways Emotional Needs are Expressed or Not Expressed:
1. Assertive communication — emotional needs are known and expressed. For example, a husband proposes a date with his wife so they can spend time together. They get a babysitter and spend an enjoyable evening together. He knows he wants more attention, and he gets it.
2. Passive communication — needs are known but not expressed. For example, a wife feels frustrated because she is unable to arrange to spend quality time with her husband. She knows she wants more attention, but has no way to acquire it.
3. Emotional needs are concealed within the subconscious mind— emotional needs are not known and not expressed. For example, a husband becomes jealous when he sees his wife giving attention to one of their children. He feels neglected but is unaware of his need for more attention and therefore he cannot express what he wants and then possibly get it — he only reacts negatively.
