Why Am I Not Affectionate Anymore?

Have you noticed a change in how you interact with friends, family, and loved ones? Were you once an affectionate person, and lately, you have noticed that you are not as affectionate as you once were? You wonder why can’t I be affectionate, or why can’t I show affection?
Becoming less affectionate or not wishing to be affectionate can happen to anyone; usually, there is a deep reason for this change.
In this piece, we look at the many reasons that may have led you to lose touch with your affectionate side and show you how to rediscover this side of yourself again.
“Love and affection are the most powerful weapons in the world.” – Nelson Mandela
Reasons Why You May No Longer Feeling Close or Affectionate
There are a number of reasons that may cause you to shut off and no longer wish to be affectionate.
These reasons for this change could be internal or due to a change in your external environment, be it the place itself or the addition or loss of a certain person.
Below we look at a number of possible reasons in detail.
Why Am I Not Affectionate: Trauma
If you have recently been involved in a traumatic experience, then this can be the reason why you are not feeling affectionate. This trauma may be verbal or physical.
Words can often leave just as much damage on a person as physical action.
Trauma could include someone invading your personal space and making you feel uncomfortable, or it could even be that someone stole something from you. In some cases, it could be something more sinister.
It is important to recognize and process what has happened to you so that you can move forward without being weighed down or burdened by what has happened.
As a result of trauma, you may not want people in your personal space or any unexpected physical interactions, such as a hug or a pat on the back from a loved one, family member, or friend.
Do not let it bother you if your lack of affection offends people.
What you are experiencing is very real, and you should surround yourself with people who can support you as you go through this healing process, however long that may take.
Can Change In Environment Cause One to Be Less Affectionate?
A change in your environment can be just as jarring as trauma.
It may be that you have suffered a loss and no longer have someone who you considered a safe space is no longer there, leading you to build walls to protect yourself from crumbling or getting even more hurt.
You may have moved to a new place or into a new home, and this can take time to adjust, and so, of course,, you may be feeling a bit on the edge, which often means you are not prioritizing being affectionate or being open to affection from others as your body feels as though it is on alert until it adjusts to the new surroundings and can relax.
Why Am I Not Affectionate: Relationship Issues
If you are having problems in your relationship, intimacy, and affection are the most affected elements of any relationship. Perhaps your partner has changed, you have had an argument, or there has been infidelity.
It’s important to recognize what has led to the issues in your relationship and why you are trying to keep your partner’s romantic gestures and affection at bay.
Be open with your partner and let them know how you are feeling. No means no, and your partner should understand how you are feeling.
Protecting Yourself
So why am I, not an affectionate person? In most cases, when you are not feeling affectionate, you are trying to protect yourself subconsciously.
Perhaps you are feeling uncomfortable in your body, received a negative remark, or you are feeling low, whatever it may be, not being affectionate or being less affectionate is the best way to protect yourself from unwanted attention or physical contact.
“Affection is a coal that must be cooled; else, suffer the fate of being consumed by its own heat.” – Henry David Thoreau
How To Be Affectionate
How to get In touch with your affections: Try to find a balance between being affectionate and showing affection. You shouldn’t show affection all the time. Showing too much affection can lead to arguments too.
1. Journal
Journaling for self-improvement is a fantastic way to keep in touch with your feelings and supports maintaining positive mental health. By journaling, you may be able to identify when and why you lost touch with your affections.
You can also track your emotions to see how they are influenced by certain weather, times of the year, or events.
2. Meditate
Take time to show your body love and how to meditate for healing. By rebuilding your relationship with your own self, you will be in a better position to reconnect with your affections and also relationships with others.
The desire for change comes from within, and only you have the ability to take the first step to help yourself, others around you will follow your lead.
3. Speak To Others
Talking about your feelings, particularly not being affectionate, can be scary at times, especially if you haven’t talked about them before. Talking about your emotions and fears can be very helpful. It helps you deal with your problems and move forward.
It is important to talk only when you feel ready, don’t force yourself into an uncomfortable position to speak.
When you are ready, talking to family, friends, and loved ones is helpful to get support to get through your current feelings.
If you still feel uncomfortable talking about your feelings, then you should seek professional help. A good counselor or psychologist can help you understand your feelings and give you advice on how to handle them.
Always remember that there is no right or wrong answer.
You can control only one thing in any situation: your reaction to everything else. Remember that talking about your feelings will help you work through your barriers and enable you to reach the goals you wish.
How To Be Affectionate: Take Small Steps
Give yourself time to heal. It may take some time to identify why you are not being affectionate, and the healing process can take periods, depending on what has happened to make you feel this way.
Set yourself small attainable goals to allow you to progress along your journey. It may be holding hands or giving someone a hug, these may seem small, but they are big steps in your journey of reconnecting with your affections.
Final Thoughts
There is a huge range of reasons why you may not be feeling affectionate. The most important thing to say is that being outwardly affectionate is not a requirement for anyone.
Some people may wish to show affection privately, and this, of course, is completely natural.
Affections are a hugely personal thing, so it is important that you connect with them in a way that is comfortable for you.
Self-love is the pool our affections come from, and if this pool is dry, then this may be where you need to start. Celebrate your journey and celebrate you.
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Author: Michelle Landeros, LMFT
Michelle Landeros is a Licensed Marriage Family Therapist (LMFT). She is passionate about helping individuals, couples and families thrive.
Last updated: September 24, 2023