“My Husband Only Talks About Himself.” What to Do About it

In every relationship, communication is a key component of a strong, healthy bond. When conversations become imbalanced or one-sided, it can lead to feelings of frustration, disconnection, or even resentment.

If you’ve found yourself in a situation where your husband seems to talk mostly about himself, you need to understand the possible reasons behind this behavior and learn strategies to foster more balanced and engaging conversations.

This is what this article is for. First I’ll discuss the possible reasons why he may be so wrapped up in talking about himself, then I’ll offer practical ways to go about handling the situation.

9 Reasons Why Your Husband Only Talks About Himself

Please note that not all these reasons are going to resonate with you. You know your husband – or boyfriend – better than anyone. Hence, you’re in the best position to single out which of these reasons best speaks about his character. That said, here are nine possible reasons why your husband talks a lot about himself.

1. Lack of Communication Skills

Some people forget this simple fact: Not everyone is born with exceptional communication skills, and your husband might fall into this category.

It’s possible that he is simply unaware of how to engage in meaningful, two-sided conversations. And this lack of skill might lead him to default to talking about himself because it’s what he’s most comfortable with.

To address this issue, you could suggest couples’ communication workshops, read books on the subject, or simply have open and honest conversations about how you’d like to improve your communication as a couple.

2. Narcissistic Personality Traits

Although it’s not pleasant to consider, your husband could exhibit narcissistic personality traits. People with these traits tend to have an inflated sense of self-importance and a need for constant admiration.

If this is the case, your husband will often dominate conversations with stories about himself because he genuinely believes his experiences and opinions are more important than others.

However, understand that not everyone who talks about themselves frequently is a narcissist; but if you suspect this might be a contributing factor, seeking the help of a mental health professional could provide valuable insights.

3. Mismatched Conversation Styles

Sometimes, a lack of balance in conversations can stem from differing communication styles. You might prefer a more equal exchange of ideas and information, while your husband is more comfortable with a “monologue” approach to conversations.

A mismatch like this can lead to frustration on both sides. If this is the case with you, remember that neither style is inherently wrong. To work through this issue, have a conversation about your preferences and find a middle ground that suits both of your needs.

[Interesting: 8 Critical Signs A Man Is Toxic, According to Psychologists]

4. He’s Not Aware of the Imbalance

It’s possible that your husband is simply unaware of the conversational imbalance. Many people are not naturally attuned to how much they speak versus how much they listen.

In this case, gently bringing the issue to his attention might be all that’s needed to prompt a change in his behavior. Frame it as an opportunity for both of you to grow closer and deepen your connection by engaging in more balanced conversations.

5. Craving the Spotlight

Sometimes we just want to be the center of attention. Maybe your husband enjoys the feeling of being in the spotlight and sharing his stories with you. Talking about himself might be his way of connecting with you, even if it seems one-sided.

Try steering the conversation by asking him questions about his experiences, and then share your own thoughts and stories. This can help create a more balanced and engaging discussion.

6. He’s a Born Storyteller

Have you ever considered that your husband might just be a natural storyteller? Some people have a knack for sharing their experiences in a captivating way. If your husband has a talent for telling stories, he might not even realize that he’s dominating the conversation.

Encourage him to share the stage by asking for your thoughts or by telling your own stories. After all, it’s essential to have a give-and-take in any relationship.

[Read: 7 Deadly Signs of an Immature Man]

7. A Life Full of Adventure

A friend of mine has a brother who can’t stop talking about his time in school with his gang of friends. Whenever I visit them, he finds an excuse to talk about his adventures with anyone who cares to listen.

It could be that your husband has lived an exciting life full of unique experiences, and he wants to share them with you, his partner.

While it’s essential to maintain balance in your conversations, take a moment to appreciate the incredible life he’s lived. You can also share your own experiences and adventures, creating a shared narrative of the life you’ve built together.

8. Insecurity and Low Self-Esteem

One of the reasons someone might talk excessively about themselves is because they’re dealing with feelings of insecurity or low self-esteem. Let me explain.

Your husband could be seeking validation and reassurance from you, using self-centered conversations as a way to feel important and valued.

It’s possible that he doesn’t even realize he’s doing this, but by understanding the root cause, you can work together to build up his self-confidence and encourage a more balanced dialogue.

9. The Listener’s Dilemma

Lastly, it’s worth considering that you might be an excellent listener, which inadvertently encourages your husband to share more about himself.

If you tend to be quieter or more reserved in conversations, your husband may take this as a cue to fill the silence with his own stories. Quiet people understand this too well. Some people just believe you’re ready to hear everything they have to say simply because you don’t talk often.

Practice asserting yourself in conversations by sharing your thoughts, feelings, and experiences, and you might find that the balance naturally shifts towards a more equitable exchange.

What to do When Your Husband Only Talks About Himself

Understanding the reasons behind your husband’s tendency to talk about himself can be the first step in addressing the issue and improving your relationship. Here are practical things you can do about it.

1. Discuss the Habit Openly and Honestly

Having a candid conversation with your husband about his habit of talking mostly about himself is essential in addressing the issue.

Find a quiet, comfortable space where you can both focus on the conversation without distractions.

Begin by expressing your feelings in a non-confrontational manner, using “I” statements to describe how his communication style affects you.

For instance, you might say, “I feel like our conversations are often one-sided, and I would appreciate it if we could work together to create a more balanced dynamic.”

Encourage your husband to share his thoughts and feelings about the issue as well, making sure to actively listen and validate his perspective.

By working together to understand each other’s viewpoints, you can develop strategies to improve your communication and foster more balanced conversations.

2. Lead by Example

Actively listen to your husband’s stories and experiences, validating his feelings and opinions by responding with empathy and understanding.

Then, take the initiative to share your own thoughts, feelings, and experiences, demonstrating that you value his input and are committed to fostering an engaging and balanced discussion. This sets a positive tone and helps to establish a pattern of equitable communication.

3. Set Conversation Goals

Openly discuss the importance of maintaining a healthy balance in your conversations with your husband. By working together, you can set goals to ensure that both of you have ample opportunity to share your thoughts, feelings, and experiences.

For instance, you can establish a regular “date night” or “heart-to-heart” session where you both take turns asking and answering questions, delving deeper into each other’s lives, and strengthening your emotional connection.

[Also read: 6 Strong Signs You’re Dealing With An Emotional Infant]

4. Develop Shared Interests

Sometimes our conversations are boring to other people because we just don’t have much in common with them.

If your husband loves to talk about football, for instance, but you don’t like football, it’s going to always feel like he talks too much.

When you engage in activities that both of you enjoy, you’ll have ample opportunities to discuss your thoughts, experiences, and feelings related to these shared passions. This not only leads to more balanced conversations but also strengthens your bond as a couple, as you create lasting memories together.

5. Offer Gentle Reminders

If you notice that your husband is slipping into old patterns and dominating the conversation, gently remind him of your shared goal to maintain balanced discussions.

Approach this subject with kindness and understanding, acknowledging that it’s possible he may not even be aware of the imbalance. A tactful approach can help to reinforce your commitment to fostering a healthy and balanced communication dynamic.

6. Practice Active Listening

Active listening is a crucial skill in fostering balanced conversations. By attentively listening to your husband, you demonstrate your genuine interest in his thoughts and experiences.

Make an effort to maintain eye contact, nod in agreement, and offer verbal affirmations when appropriate. This approach encourages your husband to reciprocate, allowing both of you to feel heard and understood within your conversations.

7. Seek Professional Help

If your efforts to encourage balanced conversations aren’t yielding the desired results, consider seeking the help of a couples therapist or counselor.

A professional can help you both develop better communication skills, identify any underlying issues, and work together to create a healthier, more balanced dynamic within your relationship.

Support from a professional can be invaluable in guiding you through any challenges and setting your relationship on a more fulfilling path.

Attraction Diary