Emotional Silences: Understanding Avoidance in Communication
Men and women often avoid discussing important emotional issues for two main reasons. First, many prefer to work with knowledge and objective data rather than personal feelings. As noted in one of the sources, "First of all, it is important to understand that there is a difference between cognitive (i.e., intellectual and rational) forms of communication… These people feel extremely uncomfortable when interaction with others involves the display of emotions; love, fear, anxiety – they do not even want to talk about it" (source: link txt). This approach implies that emotional discussions may be perceived as superfluous or even a threat to the usual mode of communication.Secondly, the ability to openly discuss one's experiences requires a certain degree of vulnerability and willingness to share inner states. Social and family norms do not always support this. In particular, another source emphasizes: "Conversation requires not only the ability to listen but also the ability to open oneself to another. Talking about one’s feelings is not easy for everyone. In many families, it is neither encouraged nor is it even accepted" (source: link txt). Thus, the fear of being misunderstood or judged leads many to hide their emotions, which in turn reflects on the level of communication in relationships.In summary, entrenched communication models that value rational thinking over emotional openness, as well as cultural and familial taboos, contribute to the fact that both men and women often avoid discussing important emotional issues.