Surviving a marriage with no emotional support, a spouse who doesn't listen, and denies any problems can be incredibly challenging and emotionally draining. However, there are steps you can take to cope with the situation and possibly work toward improving the relationship. Here are some suggestions:
Self-care: Take care of your own emotional well-being. Ensure you have a support system outside the marriage, such as close friends, family members, or a therapist, to talk to and lean on for emotional support.
Open communication: Try to communicate your feelings and concerns to your spouse calmly and clearly. Use "I" statements to express how their actions or lack of emotional support impact you without sounding accusatory. It's essential to be honest and vulnerable, even if your spouse denies the problems initially.
Seek professional help: Consider couples counseling or marriage therapy. A neutral third-party can help facilitate productive conversations and address the underlying issues in the relationship.
Focus on your needs: Identify what you need in the relationship and communicate those needs to your spouse. While they might not immediately change, expressing your needs is important for your emotional well-being.
Manage expectations: Be realistic about what you can and cannot expect from your spouse. While you may want emotional support, your spouse may not be capable of providing it at this time.
Set boundaries: Establish clear boundaries to protect your emotional health. This might involve limiting interactions when you feel overwhelmed or ensuring you have personal space for self-care.
Evaluate the relationship: Reflect on the overall health and sustainability of the relationship. Consider whether the lack of emotional support and denial of issues are patterns that persist throughout the marriage or if they are temporary challenges.
Seek individual therapy: If your spouse is not willing to participate in couples therapy, consider individual therapy for yourself. A therapist can help you process your emotions, explore coping strategies, and make decisions about your future.
Explore your options: While divorce should be a last resort, it might be necessary if the situation is consistently harmful to your emotional well-being and no positive changes are occurring.
Remember that you deserve to be in a relationship where your emotional needs are acknowledged and met. If your spouse is unwilling to address the problems and make necessary changes, you may need to prioritize your own happiness and consider what is best for your long-term well-being. In any case, seeking professional support and guidance can be beneficial as you navigate these difficult circumstances.