In this episode, a man reflects on an uncharacteristic conflict in an otherwise emotionally healthy relationship. Despite shared therapy work and strong communication habits, a difficult week, unspoken needs, and external fears collided—leading to defensiveness, shutdown, and missed support on both sides. As his partner needed emotional presence, he found himself overwhelmed by his own feelings and unsure how to show up without abandoning himself. Caught between accountability and self-protection, he asks how to break the cycle before walls go up and connection is lost.