Engulfment Insecurity
A fear of losing autonomy, identity, or space in a relationship, often leading to withdrawal when closeness feels too intense.
What This Really Means
Engulfment insecurity can show up as needing decompression time, avoiding heavy talks during initiation, or feeling pressured by expectations.
Healthy support includes respecting space, using low-pressure invitations, and building trust that autonomy and connection can coexist.
Examples
Needing time alone after conflict
Feeling turned off when sex feels demanded
Pulling back when a partner escalates intensity quickly.
Common Misunderstandings
Tap each myth to reveal the reality
Engulfment Insecurity isn’t defined by low love, and it’s about a fear of losing autonomy, identity, or space in a relationship, often leading to withdrawal when closeness feels too intense.
Wanting space isn’t automatically selfish, and Engulfment Insecurity is about a fear of losing autonomy, identity, or space in a relationship, often leading to withdrawal when closeness feels too intense.
The solution can feel like to push for closeness sometimes, but Engulfment Insecurity refers to a fear of losing autonomy, identity, or space in a relationship, often leading to withdrawal when closeness feels too intense.
Engulfment Insecurity should never override consent or comfort, and safety stays the priority.
Related Terms
Tags
Inside LoveIQ
We identify patterns related to Engulfment Insecurity by analyzing responses in our assessment modules, helping you understand your unique relationship dynamics.
Sample visualization of a gap metric.
“You don't need to label yourself. These terms help describe patterns — not define you.”
Return to Glossary Index