Pushing people away may feel like a protective shield, but it often leaves you feeling isolated and disconnected. Whether it’s due to fear of rejection, past trauma, or low self-esteem, distancing yourself can prevent you from forming meaningful relationships.

Understanding why you push others away and learning how to stop can help you open up to deeper, more fulfilling connections. Here are nine ways to break the cycle and embrace vulnerability.

1. Start Attending Social Gatherings

Avoiding social events can seem like a way to shield yourself from rejection or criticism, but it also prevents you from forming meaningful connections. Slowly increase your social exposure and approach these interactions with the mindset that people will enjoy getting to know you. Preparing conversation starters can ease anxiety and help you build confidence as you attend more gatherings, ultimately opening the door to genuine relationships.

2. Practice Self-Care

When you feel invisible or unworthy, self-care can seem pointless. However, taking time to care for yourself communicates that you value yourself, even if others don’t immediately recognize it. Make self-care a daily habit, and do it for your own well-being and self-esteem. Over time, others will notice the confidence that consistent self-care brings, allowing you to connect more easily with others.

3. Work on Your Robot Mode

When you shut down emotionally to avoid pain, you also block yourself from experiencing love and connection. It may feel safe to remain in “robot mode,” but it prevents real relationships from forming. Reconnect with your authentic self by engaging in therapy or self-reflection. Opening up emotionally will take time, but it will allow others to see the real you and create deeper bonds.

4. Get Out of Your Head

Overthinking and self-criticism can prevent others from truly getting to know you. Instead of staying stuck in your thoughts, practice being present in conversations and allow room for genuine interaction. Reflect on times when you took the risk to open up and build connections. Remind yourself that you are worth knowing, and let go of the mental barriers that keep others at a distance.

5. Stop Ghosting Others

When fear or insecurity makes you cancel plans or go silent, it sends a message that you’re not interested in maintaining the relationship. Recognize when you’re withdrawing and reach out to people who’ve been trying to connect with you. Even if you fear rejection, giving others a chance to know the real you can strengthen your relationships and prevent the loneliness that comes from pushing people away.

6. Don’t Lose Yourself in an Obsession

Immersing yourself in a hobby or interest can be a way to avoid emotional vulnerability, but it often isolates you from meaningful connections. While it’s important to have passions, be mindful of how much time you spend on them versus nurturing your relationships. Balance your personal interests with intentional time for the people you care about to ensure your relationships remain strong and fulfilling.

7. Address Your Bad Behavior

Irritability, defensiveness, or selfishness can push others away, even if you don’t mean to. This behavior often stems from inner pain or insecurity. Take time to reflect on how your actions may be affecting others, and consider seeking therapy to work through underlying issues. As you develop self-awareness and heal past wounds, your interactions will become healthier, inviting love and connection rather than driving people away.

8. Set Healthy Boundaries

Withdrawing from relationships often happens when you feel overwhelmed or emotionally drained. Instead of shutting people out, focus on setting clear boundaries to protect your emotional well-being. Practice assertiveness by communicating your limits while still remaining open to connection. This way, you can manage relationships in a healthy way without cutting people off entirely.

9. Challenge Negative Thoughts

Negative thoughts about yourself or others can create a barrier between you and meaningful relationships. Challenge these self-defeating beliefs by asking whether they are based on reality or unfounded fears. Replacing negative assumptions with positive affirmations will allow you to approach relationships with a more open heart, making it easier to form lasting connections and overcome the urge to push others away.