give that man a break

the art of male silence.

Jan 14, 2025

Sometimes, that man just needs a break—not from you (don’t worry, divorce papers aren’t tucked in the glove compartment somewhere), not from the kids, not from life, or the world. Sometimes, he just needs a break in-between everything happening. He doesn’t want to leave or stop; he just wants to take a minute to assess the situation, the surroundings, and recharge a little bit.

Many women panic when their partner "doesn’t talk to me about it." They often assume that the "it" is something big. They begin to wonder if it’s something they said or whether extended silence means their partner is reconsidering the relationship. But silence is not always toxic, repressed emotions, or unresolved trauma. Sometimes, it’s like a deep breath before taking the next stroke.

Lack of communication can be harmful, but silence is not always. Silence can be a part of healing. Next time you see him with arms folded, sitting straight-backed, and staring into the distance, give him a few seconds, before you ring the fire alarm. Before stepping in, give him a chance to figure it out, to work through it alarm and trust that he will come to you when the time is right.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, what are your thoughts on this video?

The Emotional Story Behind a 40-Year-Old Spool of Wire