The relationship damage of emotional withholding

A difference of opinion used to lead to banishment. Sometimes physically, but always emotionally.

Psychologists call this avoidant abuse or emotional withholding. Psychologists also say it’s becoming increasingly more common, and it comes with serious consequences.

Emotional withholding, or “avoidant abuse is someone willingly withdrawing affection with the specific goal to hurt your feelings or control you.” –Photo by Cristian Newman on Unsplash

Thomas G. Fiffer, Senior Editor, Ethics, at The Good Men Project has this to say about it: