{"id":81537,"date":"2025-08-25T17:53:26","date_gmt":"2025-08-25T15:53:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/?p=81537"},"modified":"2025-08-25T14:53:40","modified_gmt":"2025-08-25T12:53:40","slug":"avoidants-mind-games","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/pt\/avoidants-mind-games\/","title":{"rendered":"Avoidants\u2019 Playbook: 6 Mind Games That Keep You at Arm\u2019s Length"},"content":{"rendered":"<style>img#mv-trellis-img-1::before{padding-top:66.635249764373%; }img#mv-trellis-img-1{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-2::before{padding-top:76.083333333333%; }img#mv-trellis-img-2{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-3::before{padding-top:56.333333333333%; }img#mv-trellis-img-3{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-4::before{padding-top:56.333333333333%; }img#mv-trellis-img-4{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-5::before{padding-top:66.541353383459%; }img#mv-trellis-img-5{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-6::before{padding-top:66.666666666667%; }img#mv-trellis-img-6{display:block;}<\/style>\n<p>We&rsquo;ve all encountered people who are just too emotionally distant, no matter how much we try to get close. These are the avoidant types.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They often play mind games to keep their distance without outright rejecting you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It&rsquo;s important to know that this behavior is <strong>not necessarily malicious<\/strong> &ndash; it&rsquo;s more about their own <strong>fears and struggles<\/strong> with intimacy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, you should also try to understand their playbook to be able to see through these games in order to protect your heart.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Let&rsquo;s explore 6 common games avoidants use, how to spot them, and what&rsquo;s really going on in their heads.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. The Ghosting<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-81403\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1061\" height=\"707\" src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/emotional-load-relationship-5.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-81403\" srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/emotional-load-relationship-5.jpg 1061w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/emotional-load-relationship-5-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/emotional-load-relationship-5-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/emotional-load-relationship-5-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/emotional-load-relationship-5-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/emotional-load-relationship-5-960x640.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/emotional-load-relationship-5-170x113.jpg 170w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1061\" height=\"707\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201061%20707'%3E%3Crect%20width='1061'%20height='707'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-81403 lazyload\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/emotional-load-relationship-5.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-1\" data-src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/emotional-load-relationship-5.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/emotional-load-relationship-5.jpg 1061w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/emotional-load-relationship-5-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/emotional-load-relationship-5-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/emotional-load-relationship-5-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/emotional-load-relationship-5-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/emotional-load-relationship-5-960x640.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/emotional-load-relationship-5-170x113.jpg 170w\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">&copy;unsplash<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Avoidants love disappearing without a warning. It&rsquo;s like their <strong>default escape plan<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>One day they&rsquo;re texting you as usual, and the next, they vanish into thin air!&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They do this to create emotional distance without confrontation, due to their <strong>fear of getting too close<\/strong>. And they might not even realize they&rsquo;re playing this mind game!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you notice someone suddenly going quiet or ignoring your messages, it&rsquo;s probably their way of testing your commitment or just protecting themselves from getting hurt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Recognize it, don&rsquo;t bother with chase, and remember <strong>it&rsquo;s not about you<\/strong> &ndash; it&rsquo;s their fear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. The Push-and-Pull Mind Game<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-81494\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"913\" src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/partner-soul-7.jpg\" alt=\"find partners soul\" class=\"wp-image-81494\" srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/partner-soul-7.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/partner-soul-7-300x228.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/partner-soul-7-1024x779.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/partner-soul-7-768x584.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/partner-soul-7-16x12.jpg 16w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/partner-soul-7-960x730.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/partner-soul-7-1080x821.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/partner-soul-7-170x129.jpg 170w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"913\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201200%20913'%3E%3Crect%20width='1200'%20height='913'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"find partners soul\" class=\"wp-image-81494 lazyload\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/partner-soul-7.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-2\" data-src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/partner-soul-7.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/partner-soul-7.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/partner-soul-7-300x228.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/partner-soul-7-1024x779.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/partner-soul-7-768x584.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/partner-soul-7-16x12.jpg 16w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/partner-soul-7-960x730.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/partner-soul-7-1080x821.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/partner-soul-7-170x129.jpg 170w\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">&copy;unsplash<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>This game is classic. One moment they&rsquo;re all in, and the very next, they clam up and pull away. It&rsquo;s like they&rsquo;re playing hot potato with their feelings!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Eles <strong>crave connection<\/strong> but also fear intimacy, so they <strong>sabotage closeness<\/strong> just when things feel good.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They might flirt, then suddenly withdraw, leaving you confused.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This mind game is their defense mechanism. By pulling back, they try to preserve <strong>their emotional safety<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you find yourself stuck in this cycle, remember they&rsquo;re battling their own fears and not necessarily rejecting you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is where you find the <strong>equil\u00edbrio<\/strong> entre<strong> patience and boundaries<\/strong>. Show them some grace, but do not allow them to keep you in this cycle for too long.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It&rsquo;s important to recognize when it&rsquo;s time to leave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. The Silent Treatment<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-81538\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"676\" src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/avoidant-mind-game.jpg\" alt=\"mind dark sad\" class=\"wp-image-81538\" srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/avoidant-mind-game.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/avoidant-mind-game-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/avoidant-mind-game-1024x577.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/avoidant-mind-game-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/avoidant-mind-game-18x10.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/avoidant-mind-game-728x410.jpg 728w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/avoidant-mind-game-480x270.jpg 480w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/avoidant-mind-game-320x180.jpg 320w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/avoidant-mind-game-960x541.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/avoidant-mind-game-1080x608.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/avoidant-mind-game-170x96.jpg 170w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"676\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201200%20676'%3E%3Crect%20width='1200'%20height='676'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"mind dark sad\" class=\"wp-image-81538 lazyload\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/avoidant-mind-game.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-3\" data-src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/avoidant-mind-game.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/avoidant-mind-game.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/avoidant-mind-game-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/avoidant-mind-game-1024x577.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/avoidant-mind-game-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/avoidant-mind-game-18x10.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/avoidant-mind-game-728x410.jpg 728w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/avoidant-mind-game-480x270.jpg 480w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/avoidant-mind-game-320x180.jpg 320w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/avoidant-mind-game-960x541.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/avoidant-mind-game-1080x608.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/avoidant-mind-game-170x96.jpg 170w\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">&copy;unsplash<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Avoidants sometimes resort to silence as a way to punish or push you away.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Instead of openly talking about issues, they play mind games, hoping you&rsquo;ll get the hint and back off.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This silence is their way of <strong>controlling the emotional situation<\/strong>, as it gives them time to process fears or discomfort.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They often struggle with processing their own feelings, so<strong> silence is like a shield<\/strong>.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you&rsquo;re met with radio silence, try not to interpret it as a personal attack. They&rsquo;re scared of vulnerability and prefer to withdraw rather than confront the issues head-on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Giving them space and e<strong>ncouraging honest communication<\/strong> is your best bet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. The &ldquo;I&rsquo;m Fine&rdquo; Claim<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-81423\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"676\" src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/single-person-happy-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-81423\" srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/single-person-happy-1.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/single-person-happy-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/single-person-happy-1-1024x577.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/single-person-happy-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/single-person-happy-1-18x10.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/single-person-happy-1-728x410.jpg 728w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/single-person-happy-1-480x270.jpg 480w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/single-person-happy-1-320x180.jpg 320w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/single-person-happy-1-960x541.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/single-person-happy-1-1080x608.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/single-person-happy-1-170x96.jpg 170w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"676\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201200%20676'%3E%3Crect%20width='1200'%20height='676'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-81423 lazyload\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/single-person-happy-1.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-4\" data-src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/single-person-happy-1.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/single-person-happy-1.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/single-person-happy-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/single-person-happy-1-1024x577.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/single-person-happy-1-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/single-person-happy-1-18x10.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/single-person-happy-1-728x410.jpg 728w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/single-person-happy-1-480x270.jpg 480w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/single-person-happy-1-320x180.jpg 320w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/single-person-happy-1-960x541.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/single-person-happy-1-1080x608.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/single-person-happy-1-170x96.jpg 170w\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">&copy;unsplash<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>When confronted or questioned about their emotions, avoidants might insist they&rsquo;re fine, even when they&rsquo;re clearly not.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This mind game is their way to <strong>avoid opening up<\/strong> or admitting weakness.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They often see vulnerability as dangerous, so hiding their feelings behind a mask feels safer.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is understandably frustrating, because it&rsquo;s like they&rsquo;re shutting down the conversation and giving up on your relationship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Recognize that their &ldquo;I&rsquo;m fine&rdquo; is a defense, not the truth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Building trust takes time, and showing <strong>consistent patience and understanding<\/strong> can help them feel safe enough to share their real feelings eventually.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. The Overly Independent Act<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-81404\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1064\" height=\"708\" src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/emotional-load-relationship-6.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-81404\" srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/emotional-load-relationship-6.jpg 1064w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/emotional-load-relationship-6-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/emotional-load-relationship-6-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/emotional-load-relationship-6-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/emotional-load-relationship-6-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/emotional-load-relationship-6-960x639.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/emotional-load-relationship-6-170x113.jpg 170w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1064\" height=\"708\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201064%20708'%3E%3Crect%20width='1064'%20height='708'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-81404 lazyload\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/emotional-load-relationship-6.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-5\" data-src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/emotional-load-relationship-6.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/emotional-load-relationship-6.jpg 1064w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/emotional-load-relationship-6-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/emotional-load-relationship-6-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/emotional-load-relationship-6-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/emotional-load-relationship-6-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/emotional-load-relationship-6-960x639.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/emotional-load-relationship-6-170x113.jpg 170w\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">&copy;unsplash<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Avoidants often project total independence, making it seem like they don&rsquo;t need anyone.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They might insist they&rsquo;re doing great on their own or dismiss offers of help and closeness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They resort to this mind game to mask their<strong> fear of dependence<\/strong> or being hurt. Deep down, they crave connection, but still believe they&rsquo;re better on their own.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is their mental shield against rejection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If someone&rsquo;s acting super self-sufficient or dismissive of your efforts, they might be <strong>hiding vulnerability<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Respect their autonomy, but don&rsquo;t mistake independence for disinterest.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sometimes, all they need is a gentle reminder that it&rsquo;s okay to lean in.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. The Blame Game<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image size-full wp-image-80991\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/partner-settle-relationship-8.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-80991\" srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/partner-settle-relationship-8.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/partner-settle-relationship-8-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/partner-settle-relationship-8-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/partner-settle-relationship-8-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/partner-settle-relationship-8-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/partner-settle-relationship-8-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/partner-settle-relationship-8-960x640.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/partner-settle-relationship-8-1080x720.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/partner-settle-relationship-8-170x113.jpg 170w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201200%20800'%3E%3Crect%20width='1200'%20height='800'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-80991 lazyload\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 40px), 728px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/partner-settle-relationship-8.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-6\" data-src=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/partner-settle-relationship-8.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/partner-settle-relationship-8.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/partner-settle-relationship-8-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/partner-settle-relationship-8-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/partner-settle-relationship-8-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/partner-settle-relationship-8-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/partner-settle-relationship-8-18x12.jpg 18w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/partner-settle-relationship-8-960x640.jpg 960w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/partner-settle-relationship-8-1080x720.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/angelynum.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/partner-settle-relationship-8-170x113.jpg 170w\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">unsplash<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Avoidants can sometimes point fingers or blame external circumstances to avoid taking responsibility for emotional distance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They might give you excuses such as being too busy, not being ready, or just not being good at relationships.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This mind game <strong>deflects attention<\/strong> from their own fears and insecurities. It&rsquo;s a way to keep you at arm&rsquo;s length without outright rejecting you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Recognize this pattern as a sign they&rsquo;re uncomfortable with vulnerability, not necessarily that they dislike you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>O <strong>key is compassion<\/strong>. Try encouraging open dialogue without pushing too hard.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sometimes, they simply need reassurance that they&rsquo;re <strong>safe to open up gradually<\/strong>.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>We&rsquo;ve all encountered people who are just too emotionally distant, no matter how much we try to get close. These are the avoidant types. They &hellip;<\/p>","protected":false},"author":13,"featured_media":81538,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"syndication_tool_enabled":true,"syndication_tool_title":"","syndication_tool_excerpt":"","syndication_tool_featured_image":0,"syndication_tool_publish_date":"","syndication_tool_schema_types":["gallery"],"syndication_tool_backlink_enable":false,"syndication_tool_ai_disclosure_enable":false,"disable-in-feed":false,"article-schema-type":"Article","disable-critical-css":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[181,206],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-81537","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-relationships","category-personality"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/pt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/81537","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/pt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/pt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/pt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/13"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/pt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=81537"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/pt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/81537\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":81556,"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/pt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/81537\/revisions\/81556"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/pt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/81538"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/pt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=81537"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/pt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=81537"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/angelynum.com\/pt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=81537"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}