Whether it's worth building a relationship with an emotionally unavailable partner: 8 signs that indicate such a person is near you
Healthy relationships are built on openness, honesty, mutual respect, and trust. However, if a person is emotionally unavailable, it will be extremely difficult to include them in such a dynamic. SSPDaily tells about it.
These features are not always obvious in the early stages of a relationship, leading to couples and even marriages with serious communication problems. So what is emotional unavailability, and how can we recognize its signs?
How to identify an emotionally closed person
According to licensed psychologist Dr. Charmaine F. Jackman, emotional unavailability is the inability of a person to "consistently engage in reciprocal relationships in which both parties feel that their needs are valued, respected, or prioritized."
Although we often make excuses for those we care about, trying to rationalize their strange behavior, being in a relationship with an emotionally unavailable partner is not healthy. If you fear that your partner belongs to this category of people, here are 8 signs that indicate your doubts are justified.
He doesn't show his true feelings
One of the most common signs that a person is emotionally unavailable is that they never reveal their true feelings. You can encourage him to open up, even provide a safe place for such discussions, but he never seems to let his guard down and express what is really on his mind.
He is uncomfortable with your emotions
An emotionally unavailable person does not accept or support people who openly express their feelings.
If your partner feels uncomfortable, alienated, disappointed, or withdrawn when you decide to open up and be vulnerable, it's an indicator that they don't know how to handle emotions - either their own or yours.
We all deserve a relationship full of deep, meaningful, and lasting love. However, if your chosen one is unwilling or unable to be with you when you need him the most, it is a sign that you are with an emotionally closed person.
His past remains a mystery to you
For an emotionally unavailable person, the topic of their past is an absolute taboo for discussion. Therefore, if you try to find out something about it, you will either encounter a "deaf" wall of denial or a lie.
And it doesn't matter that it's not about disclosing all the details of your life; emotionally closed people don't discuss their past with anyone, regardless of the degree of intimacy.
He turns everything into a joke
Have you noticed that your partner is too sarcastic? Instead of expressing anger, fear, sadness, or disappointment, an emotionally unavailable person tends to turn everything into a joke to avoid venting their emotions. Psychologists say that making jokes or asking a partner not to worry about something is a common mechanism by which emotionally unavailable people control the communication process.
He avoids commitment
An emotionally unavailable person is usually unwilling or unable to truly commit to you. It is important to note that this happens only if they do not express their personal expectations.
It is impossible to reach him or her
Another sign of an emotionally unavailable partner is that they subconsciously distance themselves from you. For example, if he disappears and then reappears out of the blue, doesn't respond to messages for a long time, or takes long gaps between dates, this may be a sign of emotional closure.
He wants physical, not emotional intimacy
An emotionally unavailable person is usually unwilling or unable to truly commit to you. It is important to note that this happens only if they do not express their personal expectations. It is impossible to reach him or her. Another sign of an emotionally unavailable partner is that they subconsciously distance themselves from you. For example, if he disappears and then reappears out of the blue, doesn't respond to messages for a long time, or takes long gaps between dates, this may be a sign of emotional closure.
He never makes an effort
We all want our partners to do more, but a person who never makes an effort is a warning sign for you.
If you notice that you're always the one who plans the dates and makes sure they go well, but your partner doesn't care, you're dating an emotionally unavailable person.