After the end of a relationship, one can find themselves in a state where they are rapidly alternating between two different modes of existence. On one hand, they're longing for commitment, intimacy, and companionship. Yet the next moment, they might be pushing away a prospective partner. While this behavior might seem oxymoronic, it's deeply rooted in the human psyche and in our basic biology. While one can't just simply break this pattern of behavior, mindfulness and self-discovery go a long way.
Key Takeaways:
- There are lots of different personality types that we can run into in romantic relationships.
- One of those is the sort of person who seems very close, and then yet very far away, all in a short period of time.
- Often, someone behaving in that manner will be doing so as a result of past relationship troubles.
“Decades ago, shortly after my one divorce, my new girlfriend expressed frustration with me by means of a hand gesture. With one hand she beckoned, with the other she warded off. She said, “This is what you’re like with me.””