Learn how OCD affects relationships and marriages, from reassurance-seeking to emotional withdrawal. Discover strategies for supporting a partner with OCD and building a resilient, loving relationship and how therapy can help.

Difficult conversations are an inevitable part of life, whether they occur in relationships, workplaces, or everyday interactions. Yet, many of us dread them, fearing conflict, rejection, or misunderstanding. The truth is, having a good conversation is an art that requires planning and skill. Effective communication begins with self-acceptance and confidence, enabling us to express ourselves clearly and empathetically.

One practical tool for navigating these challenging moments is DEAR MAN, a skill from Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). It offers a structured framework for articulating needs and maintaining composure, even when emotions run high. Let’s explore how to use DEAR MAN and integrate it with other key strategies for productive and meaningful conversations.

For some, this interplay between sensory processing and OCD is not merely incidental—it is central to their experience of the disorder. When sensory sensitivities merge with OCD, a storm of meaning emerges: what feels "off" must be corrected; what feels "wrong" must be resolved.