Introduction: When Getting Close Feels Overwhelming Consider this: You’re on a date with someone who appears to actually care about you. The evening goes well; laughter flows freely, and the connection is genuine. However, when things become more personal, you feel a knot building in your stomach. Your mind races—What if they actually see me? What happens if I get hurt? This is a common experience for those who feel terrified of intimacy, where the fear creates an urge to pull away just when closeness begins. You may experience a sudden need to withdraw and start questioning your fear of intimacy. Anxiety or discomfort you might feel about getting close…

Have you ever wondered why we feel so strong to connect with others? Even when the world feels digital and far apart, we crave intimacy and emotional closeness, yearning for deep connections that make us feel alive. Our need to bond is key to surviving. From the moment we’re born to when we’re old, we look for relationships. These relationships give us emotional support and make us feel like we belong — showing again how much we crave intimacy and emotional closeness throughout life. Being social is in our nature. We are made to form close bonds that help our minds and hearts feel good. Our quest to understand why…