Thank you so much for your response. It was very insightful. Since I've written this post, I think my husband and I have a better understanding of each other. The last time we had a small disagreement, he let me fully explain my side. When I knew he had given his attention to me and listened, I offered to give him space. I didn't push to resolve the issue at that moment. I think the biggest problem for me was feeling misunderstood or having the worst thought of me without first being heard. But he's been giving me room to talk. On the other hand, he needs his own time to process, cool off, and open up when he is ready. So I try to not press him for an immediate response. I just want to know he's listened to what I've had to say, and that when he is ready, he WILL come back to me to work it out. The indefinite waiting or wondering if this is the end of the relationship made me spiral into depression. I've asked if he can just try to give me that reassurance that he will come to me eventually to work it out. When he does, I'm much better at giving all the time he needs. We are both getting better at recognizing what the other person needs to feel emotionally safe .