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July 31, 2024

Emotional Neglect Marriage Test

Kristie Plantinga
,
MA
Emotional Neglect Marriage Test, man looking at his phone while woman feels ignored
Guides
July 31, 2024
2 min to read
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Something feels off in your marriage, but you can’t quite put your finger on it. Your partner is there—but not really there. Conversations feel surface-level. Your emotional needs go unnoticed. Over time, the loneliness sinks in.

Emotional neglect in a marriage isn’t always obvious. Unlike explosive fights or clear betrayals, it’s a quiet disconnection that builds over time. You might wonder, Am I expecting too much? Is this normal?

That’s where this test comes in. It’s not a diagnosis, but a starting point: a way to check in with yourself and your relationship. If you’re feeling unseen, unheard, or emotionally alone, getting some clarity can help uncover a viable path forward.

Let’s dive in.

How accurate is this quiz?

At Best Therapists, we believe that online mental health quizzes can be an excellent first step towards improving our mental health. Quizzes like this one can educate you and provide opportunities for self-reflection, but note that they are not a substitute for professional assessments and diagnoses.

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Your privacy is important to us, so all results are completely anonymous and no email is required.

Example scenarios

  • Sarah, 38, has been married to Tom for a decade. He’s a great provider, but when it comes to emotional connection? Not so much. Whenever Sarah tries to open up, Tom brushes her off with a quick “You’ll be fine” or changes the subject. It’s been years since he’s asked about her day or really listened to how she feels. Lately, Sarah feels more like a ghost in her own marriage—living in the same house as her husband but feeling completely unseen.
  • Michael, 45, and his wife Lisa seem to have it all—on paper. A nice home, two kids, a life that looks picture-perfect. But behind closed doors, Michael feels painfully alone. Lisa is always busy, and whenever he tries to plan a date night or reconnect, she’s too tired or distracted. The deep conversations, the inside jokes, the little moments that once made them feel close? Gone. More and more, Michael feels like a roommate, longing for the emotional intimacy that’s been missing for years.
  • Ava, 29, has been married to James for three years. He’s never outright mean, but when it comes to emotional support, he’s just... not there. When Ava got a big promotion, James barely acknowledged it. When her dad was hospitalized, he didn’t check in or offer comfort. More and more, she finds herself turning to friends for the support she wishes she could get from her husband. She can’t help but wonder—does James really care about her feelings? Or is she in this marriage alone?

Important Note: These are fictional scenarios and not a diagnostic tool. If you suspect you or someone you know might be experiencing emotional neglect in their marriage, it's important to seek professional help from a mental health professional.

Final thoughts

Feeling emotionally neglected in your marriage can be painful, but awareness is the first step. If this test resonated with you, know that you’re not overreacting or asking for too much—emotional connection matters. The good news? It’s possible to rebuild it. Therapy can help you understand the patterns in your relationship, communicate your needs, and find a path toward deeper connection. Whether you go solo or as a couple, support is available to help you navigate what comes next.

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Written by
Kristie Plantinga
,
MA

Kristie Plantinga is the founder of Best Therapists. Along with being on the client-side of therapy, Kristie has had the honor of working directly with therapists in her marketing agency for therapists, TherapieSEO. While working alongside therapists, she learned about the inequities in our mental health system that therapists face on a daily basis, and she wanted to do something about it. That’s why Best Therapists is a platform designed to benefit not only therapy-seekers, but therapy providers. Kristie has a Masters degree in Written Communication and a Bachelors degree in Psychology and Music.

Reviewed by
Katelyn McMahon
,
Registered Psychotherapist, VT #097.0134200

Katelyn is a therapist-turned-writer with a passion for mental health. She has a Master's degree in Social Work from the University of England and is a Registered Psychotherapist in the state of Vermont. Katelyn has professional experience in aging care, addiction treatment, integrated health care, and private practice settings. She also has lived experience being on the client side of therapy. Currently, Katelyn is a content writer who’s passionate about spreading mental health awareness and helping other therapists and therapy-seekers Do The Work.

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