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âIntimacy anorexiaâ is a term coined by psychologist Dr. Doug Weiss to explain why some people âactively withhold emotional, spiritual, and sexual intimacyâ from a partner.
Issues related to emotional or physical intimacy can have a major impact on romantic relationships. Loving someone, after all, generally means you want to share thoughts, feelings, and physical affection.
When you love your partner but feel unsure whether they still feel the same way toward you, your relationship can begin to feel empty and unfulfilling. As shared intimacy falters, you might worry it will fade completely.
Mental health professionals have various frameworks for looking at intimacy issues, but few recognize intimacy anorexia as an actual condition.