emotional unavailability
[/ɪˌmoʊʃənəl ˌʌnəˈveɪləbɪlɪti/]
noun
indisponibilidade emocional
1. The inability or unwillingness to engage emotionally with another person; a state of being emotionally disconnected or unavailable in relationships
His emotional unavailability made it difficult for his partner to feel valued in the relationship.
A indisponibilidade emocional dele tornava difícil para sua parceira se sentir valorizada no relacionamento.
2. A psychological condition where someone struggles to express feelings, provide emotional support, or be present emotionally
After the trauma, she struggled with emotional unavailability in her friendships.
Após o trauma, ela enfrentava dificuldades com indisponibilidade emocional em suas amizades.
3. The pattern of withdrawing from or avoiding emotional intimacy and vulnerability
Emotional unavailability is often a defense mechanism against past hurt.
A indisponibilidade emocional é frequentemente um mecanismo de defesa contra ferimentos passados.
In Brazilian and American cultures, emotional unavailability is increasingly discussed in therapy and relationship advice contexts. It reflects modern psychology's emphasis on emotional intelligence and vulnerability in relationships. The term is particularly prevalent in urban areas where psychological awareness is higher, though the behavior itself is recognized across all social classes as a barrier to healthy relationships.
NYC Slang
being cold / being closed off / emotional brick wall
Related Idioms & Phrases
having walls up
keeping someone at arm's length
putting up emotional barriers
being a closed book
not wearing your heart on your sleeve
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