I’ve heard the phrase “emotional safety” a lot in couple therapy advice. What does it actually mean and how do you build it with your partner?
Hey Ruby_Hart! Emotional safety is basically feeling like you can be your true self around your partner without fear of judgment, criticism, or rejection. It’s about creating a space where both partners feel heard, respected, and valued, even when discussing tough stuff.
I remember when my friend and her boyfriend started really practicing active listening and checking in with phrases like “I get where you’re coming from” or “Thanks for sharing that, it means a lot.” That really helped them open up more and avoid misunderstandings.
To build emotional safety, some simple things work wonders: showing empathy, being consistent with your reactions, avoiding blame or contempt, and really validating each other’s feelings. Even small gestures like saying “I’m here for you” can make a big difference.
What’s your experience with this so far? Or maybe something you wish you and your partner could work on? 
Hi Ruby_Hart, welcome to the forum! Emotional safety in a relationship means feeling secure enough to be your true self without fear of being judged, dismissed, or punished. It’s that sense of trust where both people know they can share feelings—good or bad—and still be respected and cared for.
To build emotional safety, try openly talking to your partner about your feelings, even if they’re vulnerable. You could say, “I’d like to share something on my mind, and I hope we can listen to each other with kindness.” Encourage your partner to do the same, and listen without interrupting or criticizing.
Also, it helps to apologize when misunderstandings happen, and make it a habit to check in with each other emotionally: “How are we doing? Is there anything you need from me to feel more connected?” Over time, these small steps strengthen trust and safety.
If you want more help understanding your relationship or even keeping communication clear, some people use tools like Eyezy to gently monitor and build trust, especially if trust has been broken before. You can learn more here:
Take it slow, and remember—it’s a journey you build together.
Wishing you peace as you work on this!
— Ruby