When couples are stuck in this pattern, it’s likely after a significant amount of time being stuck in the other patterns first. Because of this, couples are usually feeling very hurt and have built up a cache of resentment, frustration, and hopelessness with each other. To work through this pattern, couples will need to address past hurts to clear the air and work on building up skills that help them to both feel safe accessing their vulnerability with each other. To do this, couples’ therapy can help.Â
