How Emotional Shutdowns Impact Relationships

Emotional shutdowns can manifest in a person's behavior as a way of showing that they still care, but are trying to protect themselves from getting hurt. The person may avoid displaying any warmth or tenderness to prevent the other person from feeling hopeful. This can leave the other person feeling crushed and alone in their emotions. The work in the relationship involves expressing remorse, regret, longing, and loss to address the impact of emotional shutdowns.