Domain: Numbness & Shutdown 3-5 min read Updated: 2026-01-15

Close Enough, But Not Inside

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You are close enough to see,

but not inside.

The world is reachable,

yet something holds you

at the threshold.

This boundary is not rejection.

It is regulation.

Being partially outside

keeps intensity manageable.

There is no urgency to cross.

Doors can remain open

without being entered.

Safety grows

when boundaries are respected,

not forced open.

Learn to respect emotional boundaries with DojoWell.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I feel a "wall" between me and the people I love?

That "wall" is an emotional boundary your nervous system has erected for protection. It’s not that you’ve stopped loving them; it’s that your "Narrative & Identity" system is currently too fragile to handle the high-intensity data of deep connection. The Meaning Density Model™ views this as being "close enough, but not inside." This gap protects you from being "overwritten" by others' emotions. Respecting the wall actually preserves the relationship by preventing you from experiencing a total burnout or a deeper withdrawal.

How can I explain this "separate" feeling to my partner or family?

Explain it as "architectural protection," not a lack of affection. You can say, "I am here with you, but my system is currently keeping a protective distance to stay regulated." This clarifies that the distance isn't about them; it’s about your internal structure. By maintaining this "safe separation," you prevent the resentment that comes from forcing a closeness you can't currently sustain. This honesty closes the "Status & Control" loop of feeling like a "bad" partner, which actually helps the wall eventually lower.

Close Enough, But Not Inside