00:00Emotional distance in marriage can feel like living with a roommate.
00:04It happens quietly, and it can be reversed.
00:08Signs include fewer meaningful conversations, less affection, more irritability, and a sense
00:14that connection takes too much effort.
00:18Distance often comes from stress overload, unresolved conflict, and different ways of
00:23coping.
00:24Mental health strain, trauma triggers, and chronic fatigue can also reduce emotional
00:29availability.
00:31A common pattern is the reach-withdraw loop.
00:34One partner reaches for closeness.
00:37The other pulls back to avoid conflict or feel safe.
00:40Then the reaching partner pushes harder, and the other shuts down more.
00:46Reconnection starts when conversations feel safer.
00:49The goal is not to win.
00:51The goal is to feel understood.
00:53Replace blame with a softer start.
00:56Try.
00:57I miss you.
00:58I feel lonely sometimes.
01:00Can we work on reconnecting?
01:02A bid is a simple request for connection.
01:06Clear bids reduce mind reading and resentment.
01:09Keep them small and specific.
01:11Repair is how couples recover.
01:13Try.
01:14That came out sharp.
01:16Can we restart?
01:17Or, I get why that hurt.
01:20Fast repair keeps distance from growing.
01:22Closeness grows through small moments repeated daily.
01:26A six-second kiss, a real goodbye hug, or a kind text can rebuild warmth over time.
01:32If every serious talk turns into a fight or trust has been damaged, support can help.
01:38River North Counseling Group, LLC.
01:41Call 312-467-0000 or visit RiverNorthCounseling.com.
01:49You want to work on a specific situation.
01:49Just wait.
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