“My partner shuts down when I try to have a hard conversation”

Sometimes it may feel like your partner shuts down and freezes you out whenever you try to talk to them about something important.

But there's a good chance that's not what's really happening. 

What's more likely happening is that they're taking an involuntary break. People shut down when they are overwhelmed and it's often not a choice–their brain needs a break so it takes it with or without their permission.