How do you fix defensive behavior?

How do you fix defensive behavior?

If you have a tendency to be defensive, learn to hold your tongue! Give your partner the time to continue. Conquer your urge to act impulsively. As suggested in the Opposite to Emotion Action exercise from Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, learn to recognize what your emotion wants you to do.

How do I deal with a defensive husband?

Below are some tips for dealing with defensive behavior in your partner:

  1. Talk about issues in a non-blaming way when you’re not upset.
  2. When you’re not in the middle of an argument, ask your partner how they would prefer to receive complaints.
  3. Understand the message you’re giving with your own body language.

How do I change my defensive attitude?

Learn graceful ways to cope with feeling defensive.

  1. Remind yourself of your deepest values. Remembering our firmest beliefs and passions can make us feel less defensive.
  2. See criticism as a sign of others’ belief in your abilities.
  3. Cultivate a growth mindset.
  4. In the moment, buy time.
  5. Use classic: “I” statements.

How can I stop being so defensive with my husband?

According to Fisher, here are seven ways to stop being so defensive.

  1. Hit the “Pause” Button. When your partner comes at you with a query, don’t immediately go on the defensive.
  2. Change Your Focus. A lot of men tend to think that they’ve got to handle everything on their own.
  3. Remember That It’s a Partnership.

How being defensive is hurting your marriage?

Defensiveness puts up walls that separate us rather than drawing us closer together. It causes us to withdraw from each other, causing a loss of connection and intimacy. At first, we may not even realize that a separation has occurred. And over time, those walls can begin to feel almost “normal.”

What is considered a defensive behavior?

Defensive behavior is defined as that behavior which occurs when an individual perceives threat or anticipates threat in the group. The person who behaves defensively, even though he or she also gives some attention to the common task, devotes an appreciable portion of energy to defending himself or herself.