1. She forces him to level up. A high maintenance woman exposes the areas where he is still small. 2. She triggers his deepest insecurity. He fears he cannot meet her standard. 3. She represents status. Men know that a beautiful, well-kept woman signals capability. 4. She cannot be manipulated with bare minimum. So he tries to shame her into lowering the bar. 5. She makes him feel replaceable. He knows she has options he cannot compete with. 6. She reminds him of the lifestyle he wishes he had.

Child maintenance #revmanuel #marriage | Newhope Counseling & ADR Services

So many boys grow up believing they only have two options when they’re upset: anger and blame or shutting down. I see it all the time on the basketball court - a loss turns into blaming the coach or the refs. But underneath that? A kid who’s just sad they didn’t win. There’s so much power in a parent, especially a dad, saying: “You’re upset? That makes sense.” Not blaming. Not fixing. Just helping your child feel what’s true. Want to hear more? Listen to the full conversation I had with Dr. John