Emotional unavailability often stems from fear. Sometimes people are fearful of sharing their complete self with another person. This can be due to fear of rejection or ridicule. Other times they are fearful of getting hurt in the relationship, and so they keep people at an arms distance.

Is being emotionally unavailable abusive?

So its normal to feel hurt, abused, or lonely if youre in a relationship with someone who exhibits a significant amount of emotional unavailability over a long period of time. An emotionally unavailable partner, may be unwilling to share their feelings or discuss the relationship.

What causes emotional damage?

The causes of emotional distress vary widely, and they usually involve a combination of factors. For some people, distress is due to a traumatic experience or event, such as a death in the family. It can also result from a wide range of underlying mental health conditions.