Why “Talking It Out” Often Makes Things Worse (Especially for Sensitive People)
- Hannah Brooks

- 10 hours ago
- 2 min read
If you’ve ever walked away from a conversation with your partner feeling more overwhelmed, more disconnected, or more upset than when you started — this episode is for you.
In this conversation, we explore why “talking it out” often makes things worse (especially for sensitive people). Even with well-intentioned attempt, trying to talk things through can escalate conflict instead of resolving it, and make it harder to hear each other and truly solve issues.

You’ll learn what’s really happening in your nervous system during moments of emotional intensity, why communication breaks down when safety drops, and the difference between processing an emotion and unintentionally ruminating in it.
We’ll also talk about:
Why your “survival brain” hijacks conversations when you’re flooded
How trying to communicate while dysregulated can create a fight–fight loop
Why timing matters more than technique when it comes to hard conversations
What it means to regulate first — and communicate second.
This episode isn’t about blaming yourself or your partner. It’s about understanding the physiology underneath communication struggles — so you can stop trying to solve emotional problems at the wrong level.
If you’re a sensitive person who wants calmer, more honest, more connecting communication — without forcing or over-explaining — this episode will help you see your patterns with more compassion and clarity.
Tune in and subscribe via Apple Podcasts (and I'd love for you to leave a review!), or Stitcher, PlayerFM, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Google Podcasts, or Pandora -- or below.
(Not seeing your preferred podcast listening platform? It's on most, so search for "Highly Sensitive, Happily Married" there!)
SHOW NOTES:
Learn all about and join Hannah in Foundations of Emotional Well-Being For HSPs; The Root Of a Safer Marriage and Heart here. Doors close Feb 4th, 2026. After that, price goes up forever.




