I’ve been pulling away from people I love without really meaning to. What’s the first step to reconnecting?

If you’ve been pulling away from people you care about, the first step to reconnecting is to gently acknowledge what’s been happening without judgment.

Often, emotional withdrawal is a protective response to stress, overwhelm, or feeling disconnected from ourselves. Reconnection starts by reaching out in small, manageable ways. This can include a simple text, a short phone call, or letting someone know, “I’ve been a bit distant lately, but I miss you.” You don’t need to have all the answers or a perfect explanation.

Honesty and effort go a long way, and the people you love will understand this. From there, you can rebuild connection at a pace that feels safe, giving yourself and your relationships space to grow with compassion and understanding.

Taylor Gaffney