6 Major Signs of Emotional Deprivation

To love and be loves is considered one of the best feeling in the world. It may sound cliche, but love is that great moving force which changes you a lot. On the other hand, there are many people who have never experienced what actually love is. These people are single to a point, that their efforts to date someone have landed them in depression.

As far as they’re concerned, they think they’re incapable of feeling love. But they really might be suffering a form of Emotional Deprivation Disorder.The concept of Emotional Deprivation Disorder sounds like the description of that brooding lead from a romantic drama: hopeless, frustrated, anxious, and burdened with a lot of past issues. But despite the trope, it is a real condition summarized as the inability to form mature relationships with others.

# You feel no pleasure in social interactions

People with EPD find no immediate pleasure in social interactions and as a result, they are loners who don’t initiate any social interactions on their own.

# You tend to find activities that don’t require any social interaction

Either you are a recluse who stays mostly in your apartment, or you enjoy long camping trips in a very isolated cabin. Your activities are mostly in the introvert’s list of hobbies.

# You feel aversive in a group

Due to past experiences of being judged, criticized, or abused, people with EPD tend to avoid groups in general. When the inevitable happens and there is no choice to be in a group, they still feel isolated and uncomfortable.

# Feelings of insecurity

You criticize yourself over and over, blaming yourself often when something goes wrong. People with EPD often have a negative perception of themselves and their impact on others. This type of insecurity also prevents them from forming romantic relationships or belonging in a group because they feel they are not good enough.

# You’re constantly single because you think that nobody would like you

Due to feelings of insecurity, people with EPD feel that they are unattractive, inadequate, or unlovable even if that is not the case. They often set unrealistically low opinions of themselves and their capabilities.

# You’re obsessed with pleasing people

Since they have low confidence and self-esteem, people with EPD constantly worry that their close friends or special someone will leave them. As a result, they tend to go to uncomfortable lengths to please people, even against their own well-being.