Talking to Crazy

 

chapter 24

Copy Cat

Getting a Strong-and-SilentPartner to Talk

So Far, the techniques I’ve described in this book are pretty intense and often involve some serious forms of crazy. But just for a minute, let’s have some fun.

Here’s a little trick I teach spouses or lovers who are living with emotionally “constipated” people who become resentful when their partners try to talk with them about their emotions. While we all like these strong, silent types in movies, they can drive their spouses or lovers nuts in real life. And in reality, their refusal to discuss their problems is irrational, because over time, it turns small issues into giant ones.

Luckily, there’s a quick, sassy trick for snapping these people out of their silent treatment. Here’s ...