Involved With an Emotionally Unavailable Person—or Struggling With It Yourself? How to Tell & What to Do

As I’ve grown older and walked through different life experiences, I’ve learned that few things feel more isolating than being in a one-sided relationship with someone who is emotionally unavailable. I’ve been there.

I remember wanting attention so badly, yet never getting any. The many times I needed a hug—just something simple—he couldn’t give it. When I lost my dad, all I wanted was for him to comfort me, to say something, to be there for me emotionally. But days went by, and I felt utterly alone in my grief.

There were seasons when life wasn’t going well—when I wasn’t landing any writing clients, and I had no energy to keep searching. I needed someone to hold my hand and tell me, “It’s going to be okay.” But again, nothing came. Night after night, I would hug my pillow tightly and let out bitter tears. I was starved for attention, validation, support, and affection.

The few times I opened up to share my frustrations, I was met with someone who felt cold and distant—someone who didn’t seem to care about emotions, his or mine. He expressed little, and I guess he wasn’t willing to deal with mine either. Slowly, I grew resentful. I blamed him. And honestly, I blamed myself even more.

Do you feel like you’re in a similar situation? Or maybe, deep down, you’re wondering if you might be the emotionally unavailable one.

In this article, we’ll start by clarifying what emotional unavailability really means—then gently walk through the hidden signs, possible causes, and steps you can take if you find yourself navigating a one-sided relationship with an emotionally unavailable partner.

What Does It Mean to Be Emotionally Unavailable?

We hear the phrase "emotionally unavailable" tossed around a lot these days. But what does it really mean?

To understand emotional unavailability, it helps to first look at its opposite—emotional availability. In secure, healthy relationships, emotional availability means being open, engaged, and fully present with each other. Emotionally available people share their feelings, listen actively, and create a safe space for deeper connection. It’s this openness that builds meaningful, lasting bonds.

Emotional unavailability, on the other hand, is the inability to connect with your own emotions—and the emotions of others. Emotionally unavailable people tend to shy away from deep conversations, avoid emotional intimacy, and might even disappear for days or weeks before reappearing like nothing happened. Being with someone like this can leave you feeling like you're constantly chasing them, never truly knowing where you stand.

Emotional Availability Spectrum

It’s a common belief that emotional unavailability means someone just isn’t interested. But that’s not always the case. Sometimes, emotional distance stems from pain, healing after a breakup, or simply not being ready for a serious relationship. Regardless of the reason, emotional unavailability creates insecurity, leaving one partner feeling unloved, helpless, frustrated, lonely, and confused.

What an Emotionally Unavailable Person Is Not

Before diving into the signs, it’s important to recognize that not every emotional mismatch means your partner is emotionally unavailable.

Sometimes differences in communication styles, personality traits, or love languages can cause misunderstandings—or even hurt feelings—but they aren’t the same thing as true emotional unavailability. Temporary struggles like depression, burnout, or long work hours can also create emotional distance without meaning that someone is fundamentally unwilling or unable to connect.

For example, an introvert may not express emotions as openly as an extrovert, but still be deeply invested in the relationship. A more analytical person might process feelings differently than someone who is naturally expressive. Even love language differences—like valuing quality time over words of affirmation—can create moments of emotional disconnect without signaling a deeper problem.

How to Identify Emotional Availability

Emotional unavailability isn’t about being quiet, independent, or thoughtful in a different way. It’s about an ongoing inability—or unwillingness—to engage emotionally, especially when connection is needed most.

7 Signs of Emotional Unavailability in a Partner 

Learning to recognize an emotionally absent person can save you from a toxic relationship that could have wrecked your mental health. While the signs may differ from one situation to the next and from one individual to the next, here’s how you can tell someone is emotionally unavailable.

1. They’re Never Around When It Matters

An emotionally distant person often isn’t physically available either. They tend to avoid spending meaningful time with you, especially when there’s a risk of deeper conversations.

They don’t want anything formal and will always insist on keeping things casual. Whenever you complain about them not spending enough time with you, they may randomly call while having a drink and ask you to join them. But they rarely make time for intentional, meaningful conversations.

2. They’re Inconsistent With Communication, Attention, and Affection

An emotionally unavailable person will take you on an emotional rollercoaster. They’re all over you one minute, wanting to spend time with you, then suddenly pulling away.

This erratic behavior can leave you feeling confused and frustrated. Someone who seems warm and engaged one moment but disappears the next—especially when you need them most—sends mixed emotional signals.

3. They Avoid Intimacy

People don’t just wake up emotionally distant; it stems from somewhere. Events in their past may have made them wary of vulnerability and emotional closeness.

Deep down, they are afraid of being hurt again or feeling uncomfortable. As a result, they avoid emotional conversations. They rarely express their emotional needs clearly or share what they feel about you or the relationship.

Emotionally closed-off people avoid both their own feelings and those of others. That’s why when you talk about deeper issues, they might change the subject, get defensive, or go completely silent.

4. They’re Reluctant to Commit

You may know the type: the ones who say, “Let’s just ride along and see where this goes.” They avoid labels. They dodge questions like, “Who are we?”

Since they don’t want to be emotionally invested, they hesitate to make long-term commitments—and they definitely don’t want to talk about marriage or moving in.

5. They’re Quick to End Relationships

Emotionally unavailable people tend to end relationships at the first sign of discomfort or conflict, rather than working through challenges.

Before getting too deeply involved with someone, check their relationship history. A pattern of short-lived or shallow relationships can be a major red flag. It may signal they’re unwilling—or unable—to form lasting emotional bonds.

6. They Like Being in Control, Always

Emotionally distant individuals often prioritize control over connection. They’re careful to avoid anything that might deepen the relationship too much or leave them feeling vulnerable.

Most decisions they make benefit themselves first. They may seem more interested in spending time with others than investing in your relationship—but the minute someone else shows you attention, they quickly turn back to you, just enough to keep you hanging on.

7. You’re Always the One Compromising

If you’re always the one adjusting your schedule, planning the dates, initiating conversations, and making sacrifices to keep the relationship afloat—you’re carrying the emotional load alone.

Ask yourself: "What if I stopped doing all this? Would the relationship survive?" If the answer feels like a painful no, it's a sign the relationship depends entirely on your effort.

What Should I Do If I Have an Emotionally Unavailable Partner?

If you find yourself in a relationship with an emotionally unavailable partner, it’s important to pause and reflect on how you got there. 

Sometimes, we’re drawn to emotionally unavailable people because of our own unmet needs. Is it low self-esteem that makes you want to play the “savior”? Is it emotional familiarity from your past? Or do you see them as a challenge you need to overcome?

Many people hold onto the hope that love will eventually change someone. But real change only happens when a person wants it—and most emotionally unavailable people aren’t even fully aware of how they show up in relationships.

If these signs resonate with your experience, you’re probably wondering: “What can I do?" Before making a decision, ask yourself:

• Is your partner able to show vulnerability?
• Do they know they’re emotionally unavailable?
• Are they willing to put in the work to move toward emotional availability?
• Are you willing to walk the journey with them?

After answering these questions, you may choose to take the steps below to try to rebuild emotional connections—or reflect on your own well-being and ultimately decide to move on.

1. Set Clear Emotional Boundaries

Healthy boundaries are essential—especially when you're dealing with an emotionally unavailable partner. Start by clearly expressing what you need emotionally, and what you're no longer willing to overlook.

You don’t have to deliver a long speech. A few simple, honest statements can make a big difference. For example:

• “It’s important for me to feel supported when I’m struggling, even if you don’t always know exactly what to say.”
• “I need to feel like my feelings are heard, not ignored.”
• “When you shut down during conversations, it makes me feel disconnected.”

If your partner tends to withdraw when you bring up serious topics, let them know calmly how their actions impact you. Setting clear emotional boundaries helps protect your mental health and gives the relationship a chance to grow into something more connected and supportive.

2. Consider Seeking Support Through Couples Therapy or Individual Counseling

Sometimes emotional unavailability is rooted in deep-seated fears or unresolved trauma that won't change without help. If your partner is willing, couples therapy can create a safe space to rebuild emotional connections and improve communication.

You might say something like:

• “I think it would help both of us to talk to someone together, even if things don’t seem ‘that bad.’”
• “Therapy isn’t about blaming—it’s about learning how to show up better for each other.”

If your partner refuses therapy, you can still seek individual counseling to help you manage your emotions, reinforce your boundaries, and decide whether the relationship is truly meeting your needs.

3. Realize It’s Okay to Walk Away If Things Don’t Change

If you’ve expressed your needs, set boundaries, and even sought help—and nothing changes—it’s okay to let go. Staying in a one-sided relationship will eventually wear you down emotionally.

You might remind yourself:

• “I deserve a relationship where emotional support flows both ways, not just one.”
• “It’s not selfish to prioritize my emotional well-being.”

Walking away is never easy, but sometimes it’s the most loving choice you can make for yourself. Protecting your emotional health is not only necessary—it's non-negotiable.

What Causes Emotional Unavailability?

Emotional unavailability doesn’t just appear out of nowhere. In most cases, it’s rooted in deeper patterns—many of which people aren't even fully aware of. From personality traits to cultural conditioning, invisible forces often shape our emotional expressions and the way we connect with others.

Sometimes, understanding why emotional unavailability happens can help you find clarity—and compassion for yourself or your partner. Here are some common causes:

1. Personality Disorders Like Narcissism

Some people struggle with emotional reactions because of deeper psychological issues. Narcissistic Personality Disorder, for example, is marked by a lack of empathy, a need for control, and difficulty with emotional vulnerability—all of which make true emotional intimacy hard, if not impossible.

While not everyone who’s emotionally distant is a narcissist, narcissistic traits like self-centeredness and emotional detachment often show up in emotionally unavailable partners.

2. Societal Influences and Misconceptions About Intimacy

From a young age, many of us—especially men—are taught that showing emotion is a sign of weakness. Society often paints intimacy as something reserved for romance novels, not real life. We’re told to “be strong,” “man up,” “stop being so emotional.”

Over time, these messages create emotional walls, making it harder for people to express emotions openly or even recognize their own emotional needs.

3. Attachment Styles and Past Trauma

Attachment styles, formed in childhood, play a significant role in how emotionally available someone becomes as an adult. People who grow up with wounded, threatening, or unstable parental connections often develop avoidant attachment styles—learning to keep emotional distance as a way to protect themselves.

Past relationship trauma can also contribute. Someone coming out of an abusive or unstable relationship may shut down emotionally, withdrawing in the face of feelings like shame, insecurity, or fear of abandonment. Silence becomes a defense mechanism to avoid further hurt.

4. Temporary Circumstances

Sometimes emotional distance isn’t deep-rooted—it’s situational. Stressful life events like a divorce, a demanding job, or grief can overwhelm emotional bandwidth. During these periods, someone may seem distant or unable to connect.

However, once the stressful situation improves, many people rebuild their emotional capacity and become more open to intimacy again.

Healing When Emotional Unavailability Affects Your Relationship

Emotional unavailability can leave deep marks—whether you're experiencing it in a partner or recognizing it within yourself. But identifying it is the first step toward reclaiming your emotional health and building stronger connections.

Remember: love shouldn't feel like a constant pursuit. You deserve relationships where emotional support flows freely, not conditions you have to earn.

Whether your path means setting boundaries, seeking counseling, working together—or walking away—you are allowed to prioritize your well-being. Growth is possible. Healing is possible. And a fulfilling emotional life is possible, too.