Relationships

Ask Tony: How do I get him to open up?

02:42 PM CDT on Friday, July 6, 2007

By TONY / o8sis.com

Dear Tony,

Is there anything I can do to show the man I am interested that he can trust me not to hurt him with intimate details he is sharing? He states he is afraid to take down his wall he has built up between us? Plus I know he has another female friend that he talks to quite often in addition to me. He states we are both "friends" and that he is not in a position to allow himself to be vulnerable at this time. Any suggestions?

Thanks for your insight,

Can't break down his wall

Give Mr. Aloof the cold shoulder, Tony says

Yes, I can help. I am also very worried about the walls he has built, his vulnerability, his emotional state of mind ... GIVE ME A BREAK. He is ... well, I won't finish that statement. Listen, he is saying these things to keep you at a distance, which is what he wants, and to make himself seem much deeper and complex.

He is a guy, there is not a lot there. Why can't he trust you, what are you going to do? Tell his secrets to the government? Don't fall for it. This is right out of my first "how to book for men." It covers how to make yourself vulnerable and more attractive without actually doing anything.

See ladies, when I started this spiritual journey I told you I was opening up the treasure chest of men and would be hated. That is why I disappear at times, it is for my own safety (and because I am lazy).

My advice: Start acting a little cold. Tell him that you have been burned by men keeping secrets in the past and don't think you can be with someone who is not open. That, in fact, you don't find it attractive. Pretend you don't care if he opens up, and start to distance yourself. Believe me, the floodgates will open. Unfortunately, you will find that behind that wall are fears about whether or not his favorite team will being playing tonight and not if the scars from past relationships stop him from connecting on a deeper level.

Hope it helps,

Tony


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