What Is Love Anorexia?
Love anorexia is a pattern where someone avoids emotional closeness, intimacy, or affection in a relationship. The term describes a fear of being loved or a compulsive need to keep others at a distance, even when the person desires connection.
Common Signs and Symptoms
Signs include avoiding vulnerability, dismissing compliments, sabotaging closeness, and feeling anxious when a partner shows care. People may also struggle to accept support, isolate themselves emotionally, or equate intimacy with loss of control.
Why It Happens and How It Is Addressed
Love anorexia often stems from attachment wounds, low self-worth, or past relational trauma. It can coexist with anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges. Professional support such as therapy, especially approaches focused on attachment and self-esteem, can help individuals build healthier relationship patterns. For more background on related attachment and intimacy concepts, see the American Psychological Association resource on attachment styles here.
