When we protect ourselves too much, we pay a high price. Avoiding vulnerability may shield us from pain, but it also locks us out of joy, intimacy, and growth. We stay in shallow waters, avoiding the depth that real relationships require.
This emotional avoidance often shows up in subtle ways. Maybe we shrug off compliments, avoid tough conversations, or change the subject when things get personal. Maybe we tell ourselves, “I don’t need anyone,” when deep down, we’re aching for connection.
In relationships, these defenses can create confusion and disconnection. We might seem emotionally unavailable or overly dependent—swinging between shutting down and clinging tightly. Both extremes are attempts to manage vulnerability, but neither allows space for trust to thrive.
