Does your partner complain that you’re distant or closed off? Do you find it challenging to express your feelings or engage in deep, meaningful conversations with your significant other?

Under normal circumstances, the ability to be emotionally raw and vulnerable is considered an important element of an intimate partnership. Your partner may want you to be open, present, and willing to share your innermost thoughts, feelings, and even some insecurities and shadows.

However, many of us do find it difficult to let our guard down and fully engage emotionally. This is not anyone’s fault—it could be because you have been hurt before, or it could be related to how you were raised, even your natural temperament.

If you suspect that you might be considered “emotionally unavailable” when compared to the norm or if your partner has expressed concerns, taking the time to reflect on your behaviors and patterns can be a powerful step towards personal growth and improved intimacy.

To start, consider the following statements and reflect on how often they align with your own experiences or resonate with the feedback you’ve received from your partner:

If you find yourself often criticized by your partner for being emotionally distant, it can be a bewildering and painful experience. You might feel helpless, wondering why, despite your best efforts, you can’t seem to bridge the emotional gap. The following are some possible reasons behind this tendency. No matter which one you resonate with, please remember that it’s likely that emotional withdrawal was not a choice you consciously made; thus, there is no reason to blame yourself for anything.

Your........

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