Emotional intimacy is one of the hardest bridges to build. For individuals in Maryland and DC, this conversation explores how boys learn to shut down feelings, when men show emotion and how couples can create trust and connection.
Good to see you,
What happens when men finally show emotion and the women in their lives do not know how to receive it?
This week, I joined The Purple Passion Project to talk about the emotional lives of men, how boys learn to shut down feelings, and why so many couples struggle to create real intimacy. We explored the quiet ways culture shapes the emotional worlds of boys and the painful distance that can grow when those lessons follow them into adulthood.
In this episode, we talk about:
- Why men often struggle with intimacy
- How parenting and early expectations limit boys’ emotional expression
- What happens when women ask for emotional availability but feel unsettled when it finally appears
- How porn becomes a substitute for connection when vulnerability feels unsafe
- What couples can do to build trust, presence, and emotional openness
This is a conversation about healing the emotional divide between men and women, understanding what gets in the way, and choosing connection with honesty and compassion.
🎧 Listen to the full episode here: When Men Show Emotion and Women Pull Away | The Purple Passion Project
Want to explore more about emotional intimacy and connection? Visit Psychology Today’s article on why men struggle with emotional expression and Greater Good’s guide to how couples build emotional trust.
If you’re navigating intimacy challenges or seeking tools to strengthen emotional connection, therapy can help. Learn more about individual therapy in Maryland and DC or explore therapeutic approaches that support clarity, trust, and emotional growth.
By Dr. Gloria K Vanderhorst