My Communication Failures: Asking For “Help”

A common theme in relationship books/self help guides is that being vulnerable leads to deeper connection. There is an entire section about being more vulnerable in this book here.

When I began my slide downwards, what was I doing that did not allow my calls for help to be heard? Is this my fault for how I express myself? Is it their fault for how they receive the message? What do I do if when I’m expressing vulnerabilities, it is perceived as me “trying to be the victim”?

I absolutely held back thoughts and feelings, because of twisted thinking inside my head that I will be accused of trying to look for sympathy or be the victim. Where did this apprehension come from?

Cris expressed that she was holding back thoughts and feelings. I must have been doing something to create this barrier for her. Did both us unintentionally create a giant wall between us?