Email: Struggle to express self, bullied as a child. (Croatia)
That’s unfortunate, sorry. Usually, we like to play it safe in partnerships (personal, professional). It’s easy to remain emotionally detached even when we yearn for real collaboration, intimacy. Our unwillingness to experience true closeness (romantic or not) could be due to a fear of being judged, hurt (sometimes based on past events, no bearing on present, just fated lessons). I have experienced blocked emotions, energies as well. Suffocating, had to build inner strength.
While it’s important to know boundaries, we must express needs, desires, aspirations, creativity. Speaking from places of truth is very exciting, empowering, a wonderful way to act authentically. Innocent, intuitive, inspired self-expressions open delightful doors to a world of potential possibilities, playfulness.
When we avoid conflict or ignore deep feelings, it drives others away. Even in conflicts we learn to listen, grow, self-love, open our hearts to fresh perspectives, optimistic ideas. It’s not about what we have or don’t, it’s about being who we really are.
True intimacy in relationships can be achieved by a degree of surrender to the flow, vulnerability, compassion, no stress of outcomes. 1st be honest with selves (self-belief), then express calmly, creatively to others (words, gestures, touch). Being honest doesn’t always mean we’ll get hurt, judged. Others will express gratitude for genuine sharing, bonding. Reciprocate in friendly, fun, surprising, balanced ways.