When your husband ignores you

When your husband ignores you, your first thought is most likely that he is choosing to do so because he is tired of you. It is not always that simple.

In this article, we will look at some of the reasons that your husband may be ignoring you. We will also consider the effects of that on you and your marriage and what you can do about the situation.

To start with, you might be wondering whether this is happening in other marriages.

Is it normal for a husband to ignore his wife?

No. It is not normal for a husband to ignore his wife. There will be a reason behind it whether the wife is aware of that reason or not. As the wife, you might want to look at the possible reasons why your husband is ignoring you. That is, of course, if you outright ask him and you do not get an answer.

What is it called when a husband ignores his wife?

Some may choose to call it stonewalling. Stonewalling in a marriage is when one spouse puts up a mental and emotional block to the other spouse.

When your husband ignores you, it is possible that they have an emotional and/or mental block up. However, it is also possible that they are dealing with issues that have nothing to do with you or with your marriage.

READ: Emotional neglect in marriage

Why is my husband ignoring me?

1. Communication breakdown. There might be a lack of effective communication between you and your husband, causing him to withdraw or ignore you.
2. Personal issues. When your husband ignores you, he may be dealing with personal problems or stressors that are causing him to withdraw and unintentionally ignore you.
3. Emotional distance. If there is a growing emotional distance between you and your husband, he may choose to ignore you as a way to avoid confrontation or difficult conversations.
4. Relationship dynamics. The dynamics within your relationship may have shifted, leading to a change in how your husband interacts with you.
5. Busy or preoccupied. Your husband could be preoccupied with work, responsibilities, or other commitments, which may cause him to unintentionally ignore you.

Does ignoring your husband back work in improving the relationship?

Resorting to ignoring your husband as a response to his own ignoring behavior may not be an effective approach for improving the relationship. Ignoring each other can perpetuate a cycle of communication breakdown, resentment, and further distance between you. It often leads to a lack of resolution and understanding of the underlying issues.

From a more emotional standpoint though, choosing to ignore your husband in response to his own ignoring behavior might be driven by feelings of hurt, frustration, or a desire to protect yourself emotionally. Ignoring him back could be a way to create a sense of emotional distance and self-preservation.

RELATED: How to gently emotionally detach yourself from your spouse

Finally, from a spiritual standpoint, ignoring your husband back may not align with the principles of compassion, understanding, and unity that are often emphasized in spiritual teachings. God requires of us to cultivate love, forgiveness, and empathy in our relationships.

6 Effects of ignoring your spouse

Interestingly and not surprisingly, some of the effects of ignoring your spouse are also some of the causes of ignoring your spouse. It can become a vicious cycle if you allow it to.

1. Communication breakdown. Ignoring a spouse can lead to a breakdown in communication, making it difficult to address issues and concerns effectively.
2. Emotional distance. Ignoring behaviors can create emotional distance between partners, diminishing feelings of connection, intimacy, and trust.
3. Resentment and hurt. Being ignored by a spouse can cause feelings of resentment, hurt, and rejection, which can erode the emotional bond between partners.
4. Escalation of conflicts. Ignoring each other can fuel conflicts and disagreements, as important issues are left unresolved and emotions continue to escalate.
5. Lack of resolution. Ignoring one another prevents the opportunity for open dialogue and problem-solving, resulting in unresolved issues that can fester over time.
6. Deterioration of intimacy. Emotional and physical intimacy may suffer when spouses ignore each other, leading to a decline in overall relationship satisfaction.

When to seek professional help for a husband who consistently ignores you

A psychologist or marriage counsellor can provide guidance, support, and techniques to address the underlying causes of the husband’s ignoring behavior, promote healthy communication, and work towards rebuilding a healthier and more fulfilling relationship.

Here are some indicators that could suggest the need for professional intervention:

1. Frequency and duration. If the husband’s ignoring behavior persists over an extended period and occurs frequently, it may indicate deeper underlying issues within the relationship that require professional attention.

2. Impact on emotional well-being. If the consistent ignoring leads to significant emotional distress, such as feelings of sadness, anxiety, or low self-esteem, seeking professional help can provide a supportive space to address these emotional challenges.

3. Communication breakdown. When attempts to communicate and address the issue on your own have been unsuccessful, a psychologist can help facilitate effective communication techniques, providing a neutral and safe environment for both partners to express their concerns and feelings.

4. Relationship strain. If the consistent ignoring behavior creates ongoing tension, distance, or conflicts within the relationship, couples therapy or marriage counseling can be beneficial in addressing and resolving these relational challenges.

5. Patterns of behavior. If the husband’s consistent ignoring is part of a pattern of controlling, manipulative or emotionally abusive behavior, seeking professional help becomes crucial to ensure the safety and well-being of the spouse experiencing the ignoring behavior.

Are you currently experiencing a mental or emotional block with your husband?
If marriage counselling sounds like a good option, try using qualified and experienced professional counsellors online. Work on your marriage without worrying about a commute.