Almost every long-term couple I work with recognizes some version of this pattern, even if they've never had language for it: one partner moves toward engagement, wanting to talk it through right now, while the other partner moves away, needing space before anything else.

Are we trying to change the right things in our relationships? Couples therapy can help you understand why you and your partner can’t break your conflict patterns.

Feigning indifference is one of the tools in the passive aggressor’s toolkit. It's a way of showing disrespect with the intent of making the other person feel unimportant. This is so common in adult relationships that is has become normalized.