Most of us crave connection but instinctively pull away when vulnerability hits. Why does intimacy sometimes feel like a threat — and how can understanding your nervous system help you finally bridge the gap?

In this episode of Swearing is Allowed, Haley Veronyak, a psychotherapist with personal and professional experience, reveals how your brain's patterns of avoiding closeness are often protective, not flawed. You’ll discover how conflicting feelings—wanting support but fearing rejection—are normal, and how your body memorizes risks based on past experiences. Haley breaks down the subtle ways this subconscious safety mechanism manifests, from pulling away in healthy relationships to feeling annoyed when someone checks in. She shares powerful insights on how your nervous system learns these patterns and how, as an adult, you can gently rewire them without shame or pressure.

Key topics covered include:

• The duality of craving and avoiding connection, and why your feelings can be contradictory at once
• The role of neurobiological patterns in perceived threats of closeness
• Why logical knowing that connection is essential isn’t enough to change emotional responses
• Practical strategies for fostering internal safety: starting with yourself before trusting others
• How to practice gradual vulnerability—sharing in layers and setting boundaries without guilt or shame

If you've ever felt stuck in self-protection mode, this episode offers a fresh perspective: your avoidance isn’t a flaw — it’s a survival strategy that can be reworked. Haley shares relatable stories and simple journal prompts to help you identify what your nervous system is really telling you. Whether you're battling shame over your fears or trying to build authentic connections, understanding your body's wisdom is the first step toward change.

Perfect for anyone navigating intimacy anxiety, emotional avoidance, or simply longing for genuine closeness, this episode empowers you to honor your nervous system and start rewiring your relationship with vulnerability. Remember: discomfort doesn’t mean danger. It just means you’re growing.

If you’re ready to break free from old patterns and create safer, more authentic relationships, tune in now. Your journey to trust begins here.