Clinical psychologist Evgeniya Bereza told news outlet Lenta.ru that couples who converse only about domestic chores and family problems suffer from emotional loneliness in their relationships.
Bereza stated that emotional isolation often develops even when partners speak to each other frequently and handle family responsibilities without difficulty. The critical issue arises when discussions revolve almost exclusively around operational tasks rather than personal thoughts and inner feelings.
According to the psychologist, spouses who restrict their conversation to logistical matters gradually transform into an efficient management team for a family project. In doing so, they cease to function as close companions who share emotional intimacy.
Bereza explained that the breakdown of trusting conversation often begins after one partner makes an unsuccessful attempt to open up emotionally. A single negative outcome or vulnerable moment met with indifference can discourage future transparency.
Confidence within the relationship is further damaged when secrets shared in privacy are later brought up as weapons during heated arguments. Bereza added that such betrayals of trust cause partners to withdraw into themselves, shutting down meaningful dialogue.
The resulting emotional loneliness is particularly difficult for relatives and friends to spot because the couple may appear fully functional on the surface. Bereza noted that each spouse is ultimately left to navigate their most difficult personal experiences entirely alone.
Psychological context and emotional health
Bereza is a clinical psychologist who specializes in psychosomatics and oncopsychology. Clinical psychology deals with the evaluation and treatment of mental health concerns, while psychosomatics explores how psychological stress and unresolved emotions manifest as physical symptoms in the body. Oncopsychology provides targeted psychological intervention for individuals coping with cancer diagnoses and treatment.
Her analysis was published by Lenta.ru, a major Moscow-based digital news site that covers general news, lifestyle topics, and health reporting. Psychological experts frequently point out that emotional distance within a marriage can create long-term mental strain even when external family routines run smoothly.
Communication barriers and intimate relationships
The observations follow earlier insights from psychotherapist Vanessa Marin, who identified communication breakdown as the primary cause of infrequent sexual activity in long-term relationships. Marin stated that most couples fail to discuss physical intimacy openly and gradually reduce overall communication over time.
Therapists highlight that maintaining strong relationship bonds requires consistent effort to communicate beyond logistical needs. Without intentional conversations regarding feelings and mutual support, partners risk developing quiet isolation within their shared home.
