When it comes to relationships, many of us have patterns and habits that can keep us from fully opening up to the love we crave. Often, we are our own worst enemies, and what’s standing in the way of finding lasting love is ourselves.

Emotional blockages, often stemming from past experiences, can prevent us from forming deep and meaningful connections. These blockages may manifest in various ways, and recognizing them is the first step toward healing.

Here are some signs that you might be emotionally blocked.

You Become Obsessed with Unavailable Partners

Do you find yourself constantly drawn to people who are emotionally unavailable? Maybe they’re already in a relationship, living far away, or just aren’t ready for commitment. Meanwhile, you find reasons to write off those who are available and interested.

This pattern might stem from a deep-seated fear of being hurt. By choosing unavailable partners, you create a situation where you don’t have to risk vulnerability because deep down, you know these relationships won’t work out. This isn’t a conscious process; it’s the work of the subconscious. This gives you a sense of control because it’s familiar territory—you know what to expect, and there’s comfort in that predictability. The downside is that it keeps you from ever experiencing a truly fulfilling relationship.

2. You Keep Repeating the Same Patterns

Do you find yourself in the same types of relationships over and over again? Maybe you always end up with partners who are emotionally distant, or you repeatedly fall for people who don’t treat you well.

This repetition isn’t a coincidence. It’s a sign that there’s something unresolved within you that you’re trying to work through. Unfortunately, until you identify and address the root cause, you’re likely to keep attracting the same situations.

This cycle can be frustrating and disheartening, but it’s also a clue that there’s some deeper healing that needs to happen.

3. You Pick Him Apart on the Date

When you go out with quality matches, do you find yourself scrutinizing their every move? Maybe you’re overly critical of how they dress, what they say, or even how they eat. You might find yourself nitpicking small things that, in the grand scheme of things, don’t really matter.

This behavior often stems from a fear of intimacy. By focusing on their flaws, you create distance and protect yourself from getting too close. You’re basically rejecting them before being rejected, which is your subconscious underlying fear.

If you’re constantly picking someone apart, it’s worth asking yourself whether this is a way of keeping yourself safe from the vulnerability that comes with truly opening up to another person.

4. You Are Not Authentic

Do you find yourself putting on a front when you’re around someone you’re interested in? Maybe you act in ways you think they’ll find attractive, or you downplay parts of your personality that you fear might turn them off.

When you’re emotionally blocked, it can be difficult to be your authentic self because you’re afraid of being rejected or not being enough. You might try to mold yourself into what you think the other person wants, but this only leads to more disconnection. Authenticity is key to forming deep, meaningful relationships, and when you’re not showing up as your true self, it’s a sign that there’s an emotional barrier in place.

5. You Have Low Self-Worth

Low self-worth is often at the core of emotional blockages. If you don’t feel worthy of love, it’s hard to believe that someone could genuinely care for you. This can lead to sabotaging relationships, either by choosing partners who reinforce your negative self-image or by pushing away those who truly value you.

Low self-worth can make you feel like you have to prove your worthiness in a relationship, which can lead to unhealthy dynamics where you’re constantly seeking validation or trying to earn love. Recognizing this pattern and working on building your self-esteem is crucial for breaking down emotional barriers and allowing yourself to be fully open to love.

Emotional blockages can keep you stuck in patterns that prevent you from experiencing the love and connection you desire. By becoming aware of these signs and taking steps to heal, you can begin to break down these barriers and open yourself up to deeper, more fulfilling relationships. It’s a journey that requires self-reflection, patience, and a willingness to face your fears, but the reward is well worth the effort.