Therapists say people who love their partner but feel suffocated by closeness aren’t cold or uncaring: They often grew up where affection felt unpredictable

In relationships, it’s common for individuals to feel torn between love and the instinct to withdraw. Often rooted in avoidant attachment styles, these reactions stem from past experiences where emotional closeness equated to vulnerability. Childhood experiences with caregivers can establish a foundation that either nurtures or stifles intimacy, leading to anxiety in relational dynamics.