10 Signs Your Partner is an Intimacy Anorexic

Millions of couples suffer from a hidden marriage killer called Intimacy Anorexia - the pattern of withholding love, affection, and connection -physically, emotionally, and spiritually from one’s spouse. Living with an intimacy anorexic often feels like emotional abuse.

Could this be your marriage?

Here are 10 warning signs:

• Withholds love
  Knows how you want to be loved but refuses to meet that need, leaving you lonely and unworthy.
  
• Suppresses praise
  Rarely acknowledges or compliments you, keeping you feeling small.
  
• Sexless marriage
  Goes weeks or months (even years in extreme cases) without sexual connection.
  
• Spiritual suppression
  May be outwardly religious but shares nothing spiritually at home.
  
• Always too busy
  Distracts with work, chores, or screens to avoid intimacy.
  
• Blames you for everything
  Never takes responsibility for problems.
  
• Emotionally shut down
  Can't (or won’t) share feelings, making you feel like roommates.
  
• Constant criticism
  Uses put-downs to create distance.
  
• Anger & silent treatment
  Punishes with silence or explosive anger over trivial things.
  
• Controls with money
  Keeps you out of financial decisions or treats you like a child.

This pattern of withholding isn’t just harming marriages - it’s creeping into the Church, quietly devastating families.