Two Types of Emotional Avoidance in Relationships and Why It Hurts So Much

Many of us are terrified of our own feelings, relationships, and even ourselves. Emotional avoidance is one of the biggest ways this fear shows up. But not all avoidance is the same. One comes from old wounds—childhood environments where emotions were shut down or punished. The other hides behind toxic positivity or manipulation. Both cut us off from connection, but for different reasons. If this feels familiar, therapy is a place to finally face these fears, instead of endlessly running from them.