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Getting closer to your partner after they've drifted away
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If your partner is acting more distant than usual, you probably want to do everything you can to bring them closer to you again. It’s normal for one or both partners to sometimes feel emotionally distant in a relationship, but that doesn’t make it any easier. Fortunately, there is a lot you can do to help bridge that gap. Keep reading to learn how to fix emotional distance in your relationship so you and your partner can feel closer and more intimate again.
Things You Should Know
- Accept you and your partner's differences, and think about how those differences make your relationship exciting.
- Set realistic expectations for you and your partner. It's not reasonable to expect either of you to never make mistakes or always know what each other is thinking.
- Communicate openly and honestly. Tell your partner what you need from them, and ask them to tell you the same.
Steps
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QuestionWhat causes emotional distance in a relationship?Dr. Susan Pazak is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist & Professional Life Coach. With more than 21 years of experience, she specializes in treating adolescents and adults with psychological issues using cognitive behavioral therapy, symptom reduction skills, and behavior modification techniques. She has been featured in numerous media outlets and shows, including “My Strange Addiction". Dr. Pazak holds a BA in Psychology with a minor in Communications from The University of Pittsburgh, an MA in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University, and a PhD in Clinical Psychology from Alliant International University.Emotional distance happens when we are hurt, disappointed, or betrayed, so we put our guard up as to not be hurt again.
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QuestionWhat can I do to build an emotional connection in a relationship?Kate Dreyfus is a dedicated Holistic Love Coach, Holistic Empowerment Coach, Heart-Centered Expert, Intuitive Healer, Workshop Facilitator, and Owner of Evolve & Empower. She has more than ten years of experience supporting her clients successfully entering exclusive, romantic relationships within the USA, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Europe. Kate is devoted to helping others through personal growth and transformation, success in dating and romance, and healing and rebuilding after a breakup. She is also a member of The Biofield Institute, the Healing Touch Professional Association, and the Energy Medicine Professional Association. Kate holds a BA in Psychology from San Francisco State University.Show genuine interest in the things your partner likes. Participate in what lights them up. Try to develop an authentic-based relationship instead of an ego-based one. Reveal and own your imperfections and mistakes. Let your partner know when you are having a bad day. Share your feelings with them.
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QuestionHow do you practice vulnerable intimacy?Kate Dreyfus is a dedicated Holistic Love Coach, Holistic Empowerment Coach, Heart-Centered Expert, Intuitive Healer, Workshop Facilitator, and Owner of Evolve & Empower. She has more than ten years of experience supporting her clients successfully entering exclusive, romantic relationships within the USA, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Europe. Kate is devoted to helping others through personal growth and transformation, success in dating and romance, and healing and rebuilding after a breakup. She is also a member of The Biofield Institute, the Healing Touch Professional Association, and the Energy Medicine Professional Association. Kate holds a BA in Psychology from San Francisco State University.Move beyond the surface compliments and share with your partner why you like them on a deeper level. As you build trust, start sharing your feelings with them. Practice opening up and taking a risk that could be incredibly rewarding.
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Tips
- If you can’t work through emotional distance on your own, talk with a therapist by yourself or with your partner to help overcome any obstacles.Thanks
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References
- ↑ Kate Dreyfus. Holistic Love Coach & Intuitive Healer. Expert Interview. 22 November 2021.
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/compassion-matters/201805/5-ways-get-closer-each-other-today
- ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/relationships-communication/setting-healthy-boundaries-in-relationships.htm
- ↑ Kate Dreyfus. Holistic Love Coach & Intuitive Healer. Expert Interview. 22 November 2021.
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-to-set-boundaries
- ↑ https://www.joinonelove.org/learn/5-easy-ways-to-communicate-better-in-your-relationships/
- ↑ https://www.psychalive.org/5-strategies-for-dealing-with-your-partners-fear-of-intimacy/
- ↑ https://ideas.ted.com/are-you-lonely-in-your-partnership-or-marriage/
- ↑ Susan Pazak, PhD. Licensed Clinical Psychologist & Professional Life Coach. Expert Interview. 22 February 2022.
- ↑ Kate Dreyfus. Holistic Love Coach & Intuitive Healer. Expert Interview. 22 November 2021.
- ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/mental-health/emotional-intelligence-love-relationships.htm
- ↑ Susan Pazak, PhD. Licensed Clinical Psychologist & Professional Life Coach. Expert Interview. 22 February 2022.
- ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/mental-health/emotional-intelligence-love-relationships.htm
- ↑ Susan Pazak, PhD. Licensed Clinical Psychologist & Professional Life Coach. Expert Interview. 22 February 2022.
- ↑ https://www.psychalive.org/5-strategies-for-dealing-with-your-partners-fear-of-intimacy/
- ↑ Susan Pazak, PhD. Licensed Clinical Psychologist & Professional Life Coach. Expert Interview. 22 February 2022.
- ↑ https://ideas.ted.com/are-you-lonely-in-your-partnership-or-marriage/
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-to-set-boundaries
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