Why is my partner so defensive?

5 ways to deal with defensiveness in your relationship.

Does this sound familar to you?

Leaving the room and shouting back… “You’re such a hypocrite. That’s exactly what you do.”

Arms folded and gaze averted… “I’ve tried that already. It doesn’t work.”

Finger pointed at you… “Don’t tell me what to do.”

If you’re hearing comments like this on a regular basis it is likely your partner is feeling defensive. When you are around a defensive person it can feel like you are walking on eggshells not wanting to say the wrong thing and spark a fight. Defensiveness can feel like an attack that, quite aggressively, shifts the blame back on to you. And can ultimately be extremely frustrating, because you don’t feel heard and nothing gets resolved.

So why do people get defensive?

We get defensive when we perceive a threat (real or imagined). The threat induces a biochemical response that activates our flight, fight or freeze mechanisms. The reason for this response is it helps us to avoid feeling uncomfortable feelings. Defensiveness kicks in to protect us from things like guilt, shame, belittlement, hurt, fear.

Defensiveness can be more extreme for people who find it difficult to take responsibility, are insecure, or narcissistic. However, it is a human trait and it shows up in most relationships. It becomes a problem when it keeps showing up in communication, leaving the other person feeling unheard and misunderstood.

Here’s what you can do if your partner is being defensive.

1. Reduce the threat

Remember defensiveness occurs when your partner perceives a threat. You can reduce the perceived threat by:

• Removing criticisms – criticism is the number one cause of defensiveness. It is okay to complain or ask for behaviours to change, but when you criticise your partner’s character then you can expect a defensive response. Learn the difference here.
• Checking your body language – your partner will be more defensive when they sense aggressive and imposing body language or tone of voice. Could you soften your non-verbal communication by sitting down and lowering your voice?
• Use humour – humour (especially self-deprecating humour) can disarm when someone is defensive or guarded.
• Be aware of who else is listening – social settings increase perceived threats for most people. If you have something difficult to say, then say it in private.

2. Foster respect

Blame, dogmatism, contempt, superiority, manipulation and withholding information all elicit defensive responses from others. However, treating your partner with respect helps disarm a defensive response. Read more on the importance of respect here.

3. Establish a playing field

Discuss with your partner how you can bring up difficult topics so they will hear you better. Have this discussion in advance – before you have something difficult to bring up.

4. Allow time and space

The defensive response is often associated with an inability to think clearly and problem-solve. Help your partner by giving them time and space to process and think about what they want to say.

5. You can always be a good listener

No matter the intensity of the defensive response, remembering that you can always be a good listener is a great way to stay calm, and help your partner deal with what they’re feeling.

Defensiveness, like criticism, can become a bad habit. Sometimes people struggle to break the habit because they are afraid – afraid of talking about their feelings because they will be judged, even afraid their partner wants to leave them. Our histories also play a large part in defensive behaviour. For these reasons, defensiveness can be extremely difficult to navigate, and if it is common place in your relationship, couples therapy can be a good way to help you and your partner steer out of the mine field of defensiveness.

And what if you are feeling defensive, rather than your partner? Attacked and criticised, unable to put a foot right? You can read more about how to manage criticism in your relationship here and keep an eye out for my follow up article that will give you tips on how to manage your own defensiveness in your relationship.

Call us today on 02 8968 9397 to discuss an appointment and let us help you deal with this and other relationship concerns.

About Alex

Alex is an accessible and compassionate therapist.  His clients appreciate that Alex listens with the intention of genuinely understanding them.  He’s lovely with adolescents, who seem to warm to him

immediately, and he creates a space in sessions for any or all participants to have their say and feel heard.

Alex’s particular strengths are in the area of working with couples and he has extensive experience and training in this area.  He is both Gottman and Systemically trained and draws on practical ideas that clients can immediately make use of to enhance their relationships.

Alex comes to Sydney Couple and Family Therapy Specialists from backgrounds as a Lifeline Crisis Line Counsellor and Trainer and Therapist at the highly-respected Jansen Newman Institute.  He has supported individuals and couples through trauma, anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation and adolescent struggles.

Alex has helped many people through intensely frightening and painful life events – and to a place where they have the skills and confidence to carry themselves forward.

Alex is married with a young family and therefore easily relates to the stress and struggles that many couples and young families face today.

“It takes a lot of courage to share a moment of crisis with someone you don’t yet know.  Even more so, to entrust your intimate relationship over to them.

I have been in the fortunate position to be trusted with that responsibility many times and have helped people – through their own bravery, honesty and effort – to transcend their suffering and improve their key relationships.”

Alex also runs the pre-marriage counselling course at the Sydney Couple and Family Specialists https://sydneycoupleandfamily.com/couples-pre-marriage-pre-commitment-course/

Qualifications and Professional Membership

Alex holds a Masters of Counselling and Psychotherapy from Jansen Newman Institute Sydney, and a Bachelor degree from the University of Sydney.  Alex also holds a Gottman training certificate.

He is a member of the Australian Association of Family Therapy, the Counsellors and Psychotherapist Association of Australia, and the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia.

Why see a Couples Counselor?

Are you wondering if couples counselling is for you? In this interview Alex Ryder answers common questions we hear from people who want to understand more about this process.

And remember, if you are a new client you can book a free 15 minute telephone session with Alex.

“We really like your approach. The other couples counsellor we saw left us stuck in negativity.  Right from the start we felt hopeful with you.  Your positive approach helped us out of the slump, so we could address the real issues.” – Murry (36) married to Tasha (39); One Child (3) – Clients who saw Alex Ryder for Relationship counselling.

“I’ve wanted to refer you to so many people.  Obviously I haven’t given the circumstances, but we are huge fans and are so grateful for your help.” – Tom (49) married to Sarah (43). Two children; 15 & 13 – Clients who saw Alex Ryder for Relationship counselling following an affair.

“I think we told you in our first session that you were the last couples therapist we were going to try. Everything was on the line.  So thank you for… well everything.” – James (55) married to Philippa (53) – Clients who saw Alex Ryder for Relationship Counselling