Most of us want to understand everything about our partner. You want to know about his or her fears, loves, hates and everything about their feelings. You want to be included in their thoughts and emotions. This is only natural because he or she is the person you love and the person you spend your days (and nights) with.

Over time, you do get to know your partner. Don’t expect to just know how your partner ticks just because you are in love. Getting to know and understand your beloved is going to take time. Remember, we are all complex individuals (and some more than others).

It really is a wonderful feeling when the person you love feels you can be included in his or her feelings. It makes you feel trusted, cherished and even important. The bottom line is you feel valued.

If your partner doesn’t include you in his or her feelings (emotions) then you may feel hurt. It may seem like your partner doesn’t trust you enough with his or her emotions and eventually you end up feeling resentful because you are excluded.

Never forget, it is often how you react that improves or deteriorates a relationship. It is important to remember this rule even if you firmly believe you are in the right and your partner is in the wrong.

Perhaps the best way to react if your partner is holding back is to be patient. Don’t demand to know what he or she is feeling and thinking. Don’t use tactics like making your loved one feel guilty because he or she is withholding information from you. Simply wait and then eventually say you know he or she is struggling with emotions at the moment. Simply tell your partner you are there to provide support whenever he or she feels the time is right and leave it.

Often, a pat on the arm, a hug or a smile can speak a thousand words. When your partner realizes you aren’t forcing the issue but respecting his or her feelings by displaying patience that there will be a breakthrough.