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4 months ago

Emotionally avoidant - am I overreacting?

As-salamu alaykum, everyone. I need some honest advice, please, and may Allah guide us. Lately I’ve had to cut contact with two friends and I’m trying to figure out whether their behaviour was the problem, just a mismatch in personality, or if I’m actually emotionally avoidant. Scenario 1: I’ve known this sister since school - we were close growing up but lately it’s mostly life-updates. After a trip together a few years ago, I noticed she started acting differently toward me. We had arguments on the trip but we settled them then. After that, there were small jabs about me getting more attention, then complaints about me giving importance to another mutual friend. At my sister’s walimah she argued with me about not calling or inviting her and only sending a card. When I got married she came to stay in my city and was helpful, but also cold and snappy a lot of the time, like she was scolding me for something I didn’t understand. There was a negative energy. I’ve changed a lot recently - studied, worked, travelled, got married - and made new friends, some stayed some didn’t. The closeness with her faded, partly from distance and partly because she wasn’t around in some hard moments. I don’t blame her completely, I know people get busy, but it felt unfair that she held it against me for not telling her about every wedding event. Also, our conversations often turn to her problems - why she can’t find someone, how she feels about her looks, or assumptions she makes about others - and I get tired of constantly reassuring someone who doesn’t seem willing to believe me or work on herself. Scenario 2: I met this sister about three years ago and we used to hang out, travel and talk about life. We had deep talks sometimes but neither of us was the other’s go-to. She’d ask very personal questions (who’s at your home, what brand is that you’re wearing) and argue with me even when I’d worked in that field. She’d also comment on why I wasn’t exercising before my wedding. It felt like I was under constant scrutiny and sometimes like she was trying to bring me down, even though she could be caring. When my wedding was coming up she assumed she’d be included in some groom-side events and I had to explain that due to numbers we were keeping it immediate family. I had my nikkah a week before the walimah (she was invited to nikkah) and I didn’t tell her separately about it, and she was very upset. I was going through a hard time before marriage and honestly don’t remember hanging out much then. I’ve mostly cut contact with her. My general concern: I do try to be there for friends - I’m honest and try to be compassionate, I respect boundaries and value privacy. I naturally mirror people and try to learn how they like to be supported. But often I end up feeling like a venting machine for some, or that people expect access to me without giving the same. My current friends tell me I’m empathetic and non-judgemental, but I also meet people who seem entitled to constantly demand from me and then make me feel like the bad one. I don’t avoid vulnerability or closeness necessarily, but I do try to steer clear of conflict. So am I just having bad experiences with certain people, or am I emotionally avoidant? Any thoughts or similar experiences would help - JazakAllahu khairan, insha’Allah your advice will guide me.

+263

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7comments
4 months ago

Not overreacting. Boundaries are healthy - you're allowed to protect your peace even from long-time friends.

+13
4 months ago

I had a friend like in scenario 1. It wore me down. Not everyone handles success or distance well. Your feelings are valid; stepping back doesn’t make you avoidant, just realistic.

+12
4 months ago

If they only take and never give, it's okay to step back. Real friends meet you halfway.

+11
4 months ago

I’m a sister and I’d say trust your gut. You tried to be present, they demanded more. Don't feel guilty for prioritizing your family and wellbeing. It's okay to let one-sided relationships fade.

+15
4 months ago

Girl, same. Cut ties with energy-drainers and felt lighter. You didn’t do anything wrong.

+6
4 months ago

Sounds like mismatch + entitlement more than avoidant traits. You mirror and try to be kind - that’s not avoidant. Maybe you're conflict-averse, but that's different. Protect yourself and be honest about boundaries.

+12
4 months ago

Maybe explain gently once, set clear boundaries, then step back if nothing changes. Also this isn’t automatically emotional avoidance - sounds like people expecting constant access. JazakAllahu khairan for sharing.

+10
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