Avoidance - Avoidance is the practice of withdrawing from relationships with other people as a defensive measure to reduce the risk of rejection, accountability, criticism or exposure.
Examples of Avoidance
A woman leaves the home for a week when her in-laws come for a visit.
A man goes to his bedroom when his wife's friend comes over.
An employee habitually keeps their office door closed.
A woman refuses to attend social gatherings with her husband,
A man begins to shun an acquaintance after they express an interest in developing a closer friendship.
A woman hides her true emotions from others and pushes them away socially, for fear that not doing so would subject her to rejection.
What It Feels Like:
If you are in a relationship with a person who practices avoidance, you may feel frustrated at their irrational behavior. You may feel the pressure to choose between your care for the person who is behaving in an avoidant way and your desire for healthy social interaction. You may begin to resent the pressure to become a hermit with them.
What NOT To Do:
Don't blame yourself for the avoidant behavior and attitudes a loved-one may be showing.
Don't give in to pressure to isolate yourself from healthy relationships which are good for you.
Don't try to thought police the person with the personality disorder.
Don't try to control their behavior - focus on being healthy yourself.
What TO Do:
Learn about Personality Disorders and how that affects the person you care about.
Detach yourself emotionally from any dysfunctional attitudes. You don't have to agree with them and you don't have to fight with them. You can agree to disagree.
Maintain your healthy outside interests, recreational pursuits and supportive relationships.
Get support from people who understand personality disorders and who can appreciate what you are dealing with.
For More Information & Support...
If you suspect you may have a family member or loved-one who suffers from a personality disorder, we encourage you to learn all you can and surround yourself with support as you learn how to cope.
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