hey doc,
if you had a patient who you knew loved to go out of his way to make certain people, crushes and alike feel special but always bowed out at the very last moment when confronted how would you describe that as a counselor or advisor?

Hello,

In this situation, I would describe the patient's behavior as indicative of possible anxiety or fear of intimacy. It seems that while they have a strong desire to connect with others and make them feel valued, they may struggle with vulnerability and the potential for rejection. This pattern could suggest a conflict between their intentions and their emotional readiness to engage in deeper relationships.

As a counselor, I would encourage exploring the underlying feelings that lead to this last-minute withdrawal. It might be beneficial to discuss any fears or past experiences that contribute to their reluctance. Additionally, we could work on building confidence and developing strategies to help them express their feelings more openly, allowing for healthier connections with others.

Understanding the reasons behind this behavior can help them navigate their relationships in a more fulfilling way. Would you like to discuss any specific strategies or approaches further?

Thanks Doc! ❤️

**Recognizing Code Red: Signs You’re Falling Deep – A Guide for Survivors of Guarded Hearts**

If you’ve mastered self-protection, this might be unfamiliar territory:

**Introduction**
Code Red signals intense emotional investment, threatening guarded hearts. This guide helps survivors recognize signs and navigate deepening connections.

**Do You Recognize These Warning Signs?**

1. **Butterflies in Your Chest**: Persistent nervous energy around one person – beyond casual interest.
 *Studies show increased dopamine and adrenaline (Kirsch, 2010) [1]
 *Linked to intense attraction and anxiety (Aron et al., 1995) [2]
 *This physical response triggers brain regions associated with reward and pleasure (Berridge & Kringelbach, 2008) [9]

2. **Intrusive Thoughts**: Constant replay of conversations, laughter, and moments shared with this individual.
 *Characteristic of obsessive thinking patterns (Hofmann et al., 2010) [3]
 *Associated with intense emotional investment (Baxter et al., 2011) [4]
 *Indicates heightened cognitive processing of emotional experiences (Johnson et al., 2007) [10]

3. **Fear of Losing Control**: Anxiety about surrendering emotions and vulnerability to another person.
 *Tied to attachment anxiety and fear of intimacy (Bowlby, 1969) [5]
 *Common in individuals with guarded attachment styles (Shaver & Mikulincer, 2007) [6]
 *Activates stress response and releases cortisol (Dickerson & Kemeny, 2004) [11]

4. **Craving Unfiltered Connection**: Yearning for raw, honest interaction without fear of judgment or rejection.
 *Reflects desire for emotional intimacy and vulnerability (Sternberg, 1986) [7]
 *Essential for deep emotional connection and relationship satisfaction (Gilliland & Dunn, 2003) [8]
 *Triggers oxytocin release, fostering bonding and trust (Kosfeld et al.