What is emotional detachment in relationships?
This can be done purposefully, but also can be unintentional depending on the person and their circumstances.
You may naturally resort to different degrees of detachment, depending on the situation.
(Dissociationrefers to feeling detached from reality or yourself.)
For example, you cant control who is a member of your family, says Missud.
Or, you may take emotional detachment a step further and end the relationship altogether.
psychotherapist and licensed mental health counselor
When is emotionally detaching from someone beneficial?
When a relationship or situation isnt serving you, emotional detachment can be beneficial, says Missud.
On the flip side, in healthy relationships, emotional detachment can sometimes be counterproductive.
Heres a breakdown of four different instances where emotional detachment may be useful.
If youre looking to emotionally detach, its important to set boundaries.
Redefine the relationship to what makes the most sense for you.
Emotional detachment may be necessary in cases of unhealthy relationships, says Missud.
Decide whether it was warranted or whether you went overboard in protecting your emotions.
From an ex-partner
Sometimes it can be healthy toget back together with an ex.
psychotherapist and licensed mental health counselor
That doesnt mean you should ignore any unpleasant emotions that arise from the split.
Its okay to feel the emotions from the breakup while still detaching from the person.
When a relationship isnt serving you, emotional detachment may be warranted.
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