Here’s why emotional maturity, insight, self-control and communication skills can sometimes mask a deeper fear of closeness.

Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Mark Travers writes about the world of psychology. You know that feeling when everything seems fine with someone you’ve been ...

As the concept proliferates mainstream media and self-help literature, many of us are aware of "co-dependency," and how it holds us back from having fulfilling relationships. What is less known of and ...

Intimacy disorder affects how people connect emotionally and physically with others in close relationships. While it’s not an official diagnosis in the DSM-5, mental health professionals see it as a ...

Fear of intimacy and insecure attachment can trigger distancing Low self-esteem may make closeness feel risky Healthy communication helps rebuild emotional trust It might feel isolating to notice that ...

I’ve recently noticed that I might be a people pleaser. I’ll deny it if you quote me because mostly, I can hide it under a veneer of I don’t care! Co-dependency is a pattern of behaviour where a ...

Authors Janae and Barry Weinhold described counter-dependency as a“flight from intimacy ”, characterising features such as difficulty being close to others, inability to seek help, perfectionism, ...