3 signs that indicate emotional distance in a couple

Emotional distance is a clear indicator that there is a crisis in the relationship. This bond is closely related to intimacy, with sharing and enjoying each other, being one of the essential pillars. That is why the emotional bond requires continuous care.

When we care about the relationship we are living with that special person, we are attentive, We pay attention to and take care of all the aspects that strengthen the bond. Furthermore, we do it with no other purpose than to look together towards a shared future.

This would be ideal, however, many relationships begin when people are loaded with expectations, of past stories, of fears and insecurities. This can make communication very complicated, cause misunderstandings and ultimately generate emotional distance.

Be aware of these critical moments, Paying attention to the signs that appear can help us build a solid relationship, that does not collapse at the slightest conflict.

“Without the love that enchants, the loneliness of a hermit is frightening. But the loneliness of two in company is even more frightening!”

-Ramon de Campoamor-

What does emotional distance mean?

Whether you know what emotional distance means theoretically or not, this is something that you have surely experienced in any relationship, whether family, work, friendship or as a couple. Our emotional ties tend to go through different stages and it is inevitable to be less present in the relationship in certain circumstances.

The emotional bond unites us with the other person, allowing us to offer you our attention, listening and understanding. It is an act of love in which nothing is expected in return. In this bond there is intimacy, trust, affection and mutual care, these being basic characteristics.

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The emotional bond is the basis for maintaining love and so that conflicts and difficulties are simple stones on the road: challenges to be overcome together to emerge stronger.

Contrary to popular belief, emotional distance does not mean avoiding conflicts. Rather, it means putting obstacles in the way of love, so that it does not develop.

“Real conflicts between two people, those that do not serve to hide or project, but are experienced at a deep level of the inner reality to which they belong, are not destructive. They contribute to clarification, they produce a catharsis from which both people emerge with more knowledge and greater strength.”

-Erich Fromm-

Lack of intimacy and sexual contact

Many difficulties that arise in a relationship serve as indicators of something that is going wrong. Turning a deaf ear or putting on a blindfold not only complicates everythingbut it is also the prelude to the destruction of the emotional bond between the couple.

Intimacy in the relationship is one of the fundamental keys that must be addressed, since by neglecting it, communication, trust, sexual desire and the desire to share tastes and passions deteriorate. When intimate situations with our partner make us uncomfortable, it is necessary to pay attention to the problem underneath.

Sexual contact may in turn deteriorate, since there is less appetite, passion decreases and sexual encounters become fewer and fewer. If no other deeper problems are causing it, These signs are indicators that there is emotional distance in the relationship.

Intimacy and sexual relations are very important aspects in the relationship, which is why they serve as signs of crisis in the couple.

Handling and isolation

When couples accumulate unresolved issues, even small ones, they create the habit of not showing their emotions.. They become increasingly enclosed in their own worlds, isolating and withdrawing. Depending on the couple, this will cause strong fights over the slightest. It is also a source of silence, boredom and lack of interest in being together.

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Manipulation in this sense is constantly present, since by not expressing each person what is needed and what they want within the relationship, it ends up appearing through reproaches, blackmail, victimhood and a whole repertoire of attitudes that make the relationship toxic. This situation clearly informs about the emotional distance.

When we see ourselves confused, seriously affected, disoriented and without resources to be able to face the situation we are experiencing in our relationship, we may come to perceive the situation as unbearable. This is precisely the way in which the emotional distance begins to increase.

The truth is, trying to avoid emotional pain we walk away, we flee because we have the feeling that it is the only way to avoid an ice that we cannot break and that is getting bigger and bigger. Therefore, the main enemy of emotional distance is communication.

“Love is a constant challenge; not a place of rest, but a moving, growing, working together. Whether there is harmony or conflict, joy or sadness, is secondary to the fundamental fact that two beings experience each other from the essence of their existence, that they are one with the other by being one with themselves and not by fleeing from themselves. .”

-Erich Fromm-