Family counselor highlights need for emotional translation between spouses

Family counselor and member of the Arab Family Advisory Council, Abeer Al-Saad, told Ajel that emotions between spouses require translation and mutual understanding. She explained that many men may not express their feelings in the way their wives expect, which does not necessarily mean a lack of love or care, but rather a difference in how emotions are communicated.

Al-Saad noted that men often show their love by taking responsibility, providing for the family, ensuring household stability, and supporting their wives during difficult times. She believes these actions reflect love and care, while wives may expect direct words, emotional gestures, or special time together.

Al-Saad added that misunderstandings can arise when a man thinks he is expressing love through actions, but his wife does not feel it in the way she needs. She emphasized the importance of not criticizing a man's way of expressing himself, but instead encouraging him to expand his emotional tools. She affirmed that responsibility, financial support, and care are important forms of love, but they are not the only language a wife may need.

Al-Saad explained that men may need to learn that saying phrases like "I love you" or "I miss you," hugging their wives for no special reason, or setting aside time for conversation are not trivial, but are direct ways to express feelings. Conversely, wives should learn to recognize their husbands' actions as a language of love and not reduce love to words alone. She concluded that a mature relationship requires both partners to learn each other's emotional language, and that the space between intention and perception needs awareness, dialogue, and ongoing translation.