The Narcissism Decoder

Why Do I Pull Away When Someone Gets Too Close? | Epi 164

Dr. Anthony Mazzella Season 3 Episode 164

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0:00 | 18:10

In this episode, we dive into The Fear of Dependency When a Relationship Starts to Matter. Why do some people feel deeply connected, hopeful, and excited about a new relationship, only to suddenly pull away once the relationship becomes emotionally significant? Through a psychodynamic lens, we explore healthy vs unhealthy dependency. Using a real-world prototypical example, we unpack the hidden psychology behind emotional withdrawal, the need for an "exit strategy," and why what looks like a loss of interest is often a fear of needing another person. 

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Dr. Anthony Mazzella is a psychoanalyst and psychodynamic psychotherapist specializing in narcissism, personality disorders, and relational dynamics.