My bf also gets defensive and feels like I'm putting all the blame on him. He feels like I'm asking him to "change". I have been calmly explaining that no one is to blame. This is a relationship issue and we both need to work on the relationship. I think he was okay with that.
I've had to repeat this on several occasions. I can see how he would feel this way. I explained that, while it seems all the pressure is on him to do things differently, that I've been doing my part too- it's just internal and he can't see it. I've done hours and hours of research and analyzing our situation. I'm the one who has to take charge for assessing the root of our communication challenges because I'm the one who is more flexible in my thinking and I have to troubleshoot the solutions. I've been working on adjusting my thinking process to his and anticipating how he might interpret things- how to approach issues with him.
So, I pointed out, that while I'm asking him to alter his behavior, I'm also making changes and working for the relationship. He just can't see it because it's all going on in my head. It's not something obvious he would notice. He seemed to accept that, for now. LOL.
I've had to repeat this on several occasions. I can see how he would feel this way. I explained that, while it seems all the pressure is on him to do things differently, that I've been doing my part too- it's just internal and he can't see it. I've done hours and hours of research and analyzing our situation. I'm the one who has to take charge for assessing the root of our communication challenges because I'm the one who is more flexible in my thinking and I have to troubleshoot the solutions. I've been working on adjusting my thinking process to his and anticipating how he might interpret things- how to approach issues with him.
So, I pointed out, that while I'm asking him to alter his behavior, I'm also making changes and working for the relationship. He just can't see it because it's all going on in my head. It's not something obvious he would notice. He seemed to accept that, for now. LOL.