If he’s pulling away, it’s because he’s worried that he’ll lose what makes him him. Pulling away to preserve his identity isn’t about not liking what you’re bringing into his life. He just values who he is as a person and wants to set up healthy boundaries moving forward into the relationship.

Wife Abandonment Syndrome is when a man leaves out-of-the-blue from what his wife believed to be a happy stable marriage. One of the hallmarks is that the husband then turns angrily on the wife, blaming her and dismantling everything she knew as their loving joint history together.

A common reason why men need space or start to pull away is because they’re really stressed out. For example, men who are stressed out become more self-centered, want to get back into their own space and deal with it on their own.

Symptoms of stress in men

1. headache.
2. constipation.
3. diarrhea.
4. upset stomach.
5. heartburn.
6. muscle tension.
7. neck, back, or chest pain.
8. fatigue.

Below, Ford shares her advice on spotting stress, comforting your partner and overcoming stress as a couple.

1. Recognize stress symptoms.
2. Approach your partner.
3. Listen.
4. Comfort first.
5. Get active together.
6. Create a list of stress-reducing rituals.
7. Check your stress temperature.
8. Ask your partner what you can do.

When your partner is undergoing stress, they may become aloof or agitated and may withdraw emotionally or even physically. This can leave you feeling lonely and vulnerable like you’re alone or unappreciated in your relationship.

Falling in love is amazing. However, men don’t really live in their emotional world as often as women do. They tend to dip in and out, experiencing intense emotion and then pulling back. It isn’t because he doesn’t love you, it’s because he has to focus on other things for a while to get back to the emotional center.

The whole reason that a guy will come back after pulling away is that he misses you. He creates space so that he can gain perspective, and then he deals with his anxiety and starts to miss being with you again, so he comes back to you and closes the gap.

Below you’ll find therapist-approved sample texts to consider sending someone who’s stressed, based on the situation.

• “I’m here for you day or night, no matter what!”
• “I want to help.
• “Want to get together for tea tonight?”
• “I know you have a lot going on.
• “It’s OK to take a break!”

Consider these options:

1. “Whenever you need to call, I’m here.”
2. “I wish I could be there right now.”
3. “You’re still in my thoughts.
4. “Your family is lucky to have you through all this.”
5. “Maybe I can’t be there, but there’s definitely something I can do.
6. “Hey, get well soon.

Positive Words Of Affirmation For Him

1. I believe in you.
2. I love doing things for you.
3. Your strength gives me strength.
4. Your happiness makes me happy.
5. We complement each other perfectly.
6. I am so happy to have you as my partner.
7. I submit fully to you because I trust you completely.

100 Sweet Good Morning Text Messages for Him

• “Good morning, you sexy thing!
• “I woke up this morning, and you instantly crossed my mind.
• “I miss you as soon as the door closes every morning.
• “With you, in my bed, all my dreams can come true!
• “Just to check if the most handsome guy woke up?”

So to start off comforting someone, simply describe what you’re seeing/sensing. Say something like, “I know you’re having such a hard time with this,” or “I’m sorry you’re hurting so much.” Also affirm that you hear what they’re saying by saying it back to them in your own words.