5 Signs Of Weakening Emotional Closeness In Relationships

Illustration of signs of emotional closeness in a weakened relationship (iStockphoto)

YOGYAKARTA – Closeness or emotional intimacy, difficult to explain definitively. But for couples who have it, will feel distant without needing to be explained. On the other hand, when distance is felt between each partner, emotional intimacy is weakening.

Without making the relationship colder, emotional estrangements can be overcome. How do you feel when there is an emotional distance between you and your partner?

1. Feeling alone even when you are near your partner

Emotions become the 'life' of every commitment. Even if a person is committed and compatible with his partner, it is not always without walls. If you feel that there is a wall between your partner, it could be because your emotional connection is weakening. According to Jonice Webb, Ph.D., a licensed psychologist reported by Psychology Today, Friday, July 1, exemplifying when you feel alone even with a partner, can be a sign of weakening emotional intimacy.

2. Feeling less loved

Knowing your partner loves you is different from feeling it. If you know, maybe because you often say 'I love you'. But feel it, as if every attention and behavior feels full. Webb calls it a disconnect between the head and the heart. When saying love uses the head, it doesn't always include the heart, you know. This wall may occur due to experiencing emotional neglect in childhood.

Illustration of signs of emotional closeness in a weakened relationship (iStockphoto)

3. Difficulty expressing feelings and needs

When partners find it difficult to express feelings and put them aside, both need to re-identify what is needed. That way you can practice communicating it to your partner so they can open up to each other.

4. Don't be yourself

The next sign when emotional intimacy is weakened is related to the previous sign. When you can't express your feelings and needs, it will create distance. In addition, it can make someone not be themselves because they can't be honest about what they feel and need.

5. Difficult to communicate difficult things

Emotional distance seems to make it difficult for couples to communicate difficult things. Webb explained, communicating requires emotional closeness, especially regarding the problems they are going through. It also takes knowledge, skills, and identification of your feelings so that they can express them effectively to your partner.

Adults who ignore the emotional aspect, usually either dodge or explode violently. Keep in mind, that how to communicate and build healthy relationships is not learned. That doesn't mean problems in relationships can't be fixed. Even fighting, it's okay. That means, try to communicate feelings and needs and then work together toward a relationship with a more developed emotional connection.