Focus on your own feelings
Both Neblett and Gatling agree that if you address someone's emotional unavailability, express how it's affecting you and lead with "I" statements. It's also important to have clear examples of why you think they're emotionally unavailable so that they don't feel ambushed, Neblett emphasizes.
Empathise. Put yourself in their shoes and show that you understand this is difficult for them. You might say, “I get that you don't want to have this conversation” or “I know this is difficult to talk about…”
Certain people have a harder time socializing or opening up than others because they are constantly in fear of people's judgment or they might not be as interested in social interaction as their peers. These feelings can begin to negatively impact a person's mental health.
If they do not pick up, leave a short message letting them know that you care for them and are available whenever they are ready to talk. If calling them does not seem like a great option, send them an email or text conveying the same message. Refrain from overwhelming your friend with phone calls and messages.
He may avoid these topics for a number of reasons. It may be that he's afraid he'll disappoint you by not being able to fulfill whatever expectations you have around money, kids, or jobs, and disappointing his partner feels intolerable to him.
You can always be direct and just ask him about his feelings for you. Be straightforward and come to the point and make him realise that he can be honest with you and express his feelings for you without being judged or critiqued.
The main trait that both emotionally unavailable men and women share is their fear of being controlled, especially in a relationship. For men in particular, a consuming fear is “losing” themselves in a relationship.
There are a number of different things that can cause emotional numbness to occur. While depression and anxiety are the most common causes, others include the following: Stress and stress hormones: Elevated cortisol levels can lead to emotional numbness in some people.
Emotionally unavailable partners often choose physical intimacy over emotional intimacy so as to not have to deal with the messiness, seriousness, or complications that emotions can bring into a relationship.
The following types of responses can indicate the person is bored with the conversation or doesn't want to talk to you: Using lazy responses like “oh really,” “you're so right,” or “totally.” Mirroring the language you use such as “It's really cold today” with “Yes, it is cold.” Ignoring questions or statements.
Send a text or note asking whether the issue was why you haven't heard from your friend. Make an honest apology. Ask what you can do to make things right and move forward. Avoid calling your friend out on social media or in front of your other friends.
Men are often afraid that if they begin to express what they are feeling in the face of their wife's frustration it will come out as anger and make the situation worse. They feel that by expressing no emotion they are taking the high road to preserve the relationship.
Tell the person how the silent treatment hurts and leaves you feeling frustrated and alone. That's not what you want or need in a relationship. Explain that you can't resolve issues this way, then be specific about those issues. If this sort of behavior is a relationship deal-breaker for you, state it plainly.
Emotional detachment refers to the inability of a person to fully engage with feelings of their own or those of others. It may interfere with a person's physical, psychological, emotional, and social development.
Reticent can refer to someone who is restrained and formal, but it can also refer to someone who doesn't want to draw attention to herself or who prefers seclusion to other people. Don't confuse reticent with reluctant, which means unwilling. Definitions of reticent.
In some cases, the reason we can't open up is that we are scared of admitting our fears or concerns to ourselves. If there is something, that is causing you stress or worry, vocalising it can make it feel more real.