Emotional intimacy is a fundamental aspect of human relationships that brings us closer to our loved ones. It requires us to open up, express ourselves, and connect on a deeper level. However, for some people, intimacy can be a daunting prospect. Emotional inhibition, a term used to describe a reluctance to express emotions, can be a significant barrier to building intimacy. If you are emotionally inhibited, you may struggle to share your feelings and thoughts with others, making it challenging to form close relationships. It may even be difficult to understand and recognize your own emotions. In this post, we will discuss ways to work on improving intimacy when you are emotionally inhibited.
- Practice mindfulness
Mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment and non-judgmentally observing your thoughts and feelings. It can be an effective way to become more aware of your emotions and to learn how to express them more effectively. Mindfulness techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, and body scanning can help you pay attention to and understand your emotions. This is a necessary building block for learning to express how you feel in a healthy and productive way.
- Seek therapy
Therapy can be an excellent way to work on emotional inhibition and improve intimacy. A therapist can help you understand the root causes of your emotional inhibition. It’s important to understand the underlying causes of emotional inhibition, including psychological, social, and cultural factors. Therapy can also provide a safe space for you to express your emotions and build your emotional intelligence.
- Start small
If the idea of opening up to someone feels overwhelming, start small. Share something small with someone you trust, such as a friend or family member. It could be as simple as telling them how your day was or sharing something you are excited about. Over time, gradually increase the level of intimacy you share until you feel comfortable sharing your deeper emotions.
- Identify your triggers
Emotional inhibition is often the result of past experiences that have caused you to close off emotionally. Identifying your triggers, the situations that make you feel most uncomfortable, can help you better understand why you are emotionally inhibited. Once you have identified your triggers, you can begin to work on desensitizing yourself to them.
- Practice self-compassion
Finally, practicing self-compassion is essential when working on emotional inhibition. Remember that it takes time to develop emotional intimacy, and it is okay to take things at your own pace. Be kind to yourself and celebrate the small victories along the way.
Emotional inhibition can be a significant barrier to intimacy, but it is not an insurmountable one. By practicing mindfulness, seeking therapy, starting small, identifying your triggers, and practicing self-compassion, you can work on improving your emotional intimacy and building deeper connections with your loved ones. Remember that building intimacy is a journey, and it takes time and effort, but the benefits are well worth it.
Dr. Katiah Llerena, PhD 