Emotional silence isn’t natural, it’s taught.
For individuals in Maryland and DC, this conversation with Marriage IQ explores how boys learn to suppress feelings, how that shapes adult relationships, and what couples can do to reconnect and heal.
Good to see you,
Why do so many men struggle to express emotion, and what happens to marriages when they do?
This week, I joined Marriage IQ with Drs. Heidi and Scott Hastings to talk about the emotional development of men and boys, and how early lessons about feelings can shape relationships for life. From toddler tears to marital tension, we explored what happens when boys are taught to hide their tenderness, sadness, and fear—and how couples can begin to heal that silence.
In this episode, we talk about:
- Why boys are born more emotionally expressive than girls
- How culture teaches men to mute their feelings
- What women can do to invite emotional depth without fear or shame
- Simple tools, like “feeling words” lists, to nurture emotional fluency
- How couples can build marriages grounded in connection and understanding
It’s a powerful conversation about healing generations of emotional restriction and creating relationships where both partners can feel, connect, and grow together.
🎧 Listen to the full episode on Spotify
Want to explore how emotional fluency supports relationships? Visit Psychology Today’s article on why men struggle to express emotions and Greater Good’s guide to helping someone open up emotionally.
If you’re navigating emotional restriction, relational tension, or communication challenges, therapy can help. Learn more about individual therapy in Maryland and DC or explore therapeutic approaches that support emotional clarity, connection, and growth.
By Dr. Gloria K Vanderhorst
