The user, Feeling Unheard, is experiencing a communication breakdown with her partner, who minimizes her feelings and deflects when she expresses insecurities, particularly about his interactions with his friends. The partner's dismissive behavior, such as saying "You're just being insecure," invalidates her emotions and shuts down communication. This behavior shifts the focus from his actions to her character, making her feel like her emotions are the problem. This is a failure in communication, and the problem is not her feelings. It's possible he's become complacent, taking her for granted or using deflection as a defense. Her avoidance of these conversations due to fear of dismissal is also detrimental as open communication is essential for a healthy relationship. To improve the situation, Feeling Unheard should express her feelings clearly using "I" statements, set clear boundaries about what she will and will not tolerate, and request active listening without judgment or defensiveness. She should also suggest that her partner checks his interpretation of her behaviors and feelings to make sure it is accurate. It is also important to affirm her value, and to remind herself she deserves to have her needs met. Asking thoughtful, caring questions can help her better understand his perspective and encourage him to do the same. She should reframe the narrative as a communication issue instead of a personal flaw, and focus on her reactions and not his behavior. If these steps prove insufficient, seeking professional guidance from a couples counselor can provide tools to improve communication and strengthen the relationship. Open communication, mutual respect, and the willingness of both partners to meet each other's needs are essential to a healthy relationship. Remember that, "you have nothing to prove. You are enough right now."