Emotional detachment is a key mechanism for reducing interdependence.
When a friend calls and surprises you by saying that they and their partner broke up last night, a relationship's end might seem like a sudden, discrete event. On the contrary, the end of a relationship tends to occur gradually. Slowly, in quiet ways, relationships unravel. How does this happen? Instead of nurturing the interdependence that defines a committed relationship, one or both romantic partners start turning away from their partner.
Sharing good news to someone who doesn't react as you hoped is a depressing experience. Imagine how a less satisfying reaction to your good news might shape your future behavior: The next time you have good news, would you even want to share it? This could create further distance, further jeopardizing the relationship.If you've ever thought that"how" you say something can reveal more than"what" you say, you've tapped into some keen relationship insights.