Avoidants don't necessarily lack empathy, though their behavior sometimes makes it seem like they do.
During childhood, people with avoidant personality disorder (AVPD) and/or avoidant attachment style may have experienced neglect or abuse, which results in a fear of letting themselves be vulnerable, as vulnerability often resulted in negative repercussions.
Because of this, the may have trouble understanding others' emotions and can communicate poorly about their own feelings.
This, however, does not mean that they can't feel for others.
For some people, empathy is simply a skill that needs to be developed through hard work, and it's likely that avoidants want to increase their ability to understand other people better.
This can be achieved through therapy and relationship counseling.
If you’re having a challenging time with relationship issues, consider talking with a licensed therapist who specializes in avoidant personality disorder and/or therapists with expertise in attachment-based issues.
Wondering what avoidants are like in relationships? Here's how avoidants behave and strategies to cope better.
Ultimately, avoidants are as capable of experiencing healthy and fulfilling relationships as anyone else. Most importantly, they need to understand the challenges they face and the tools they need to handle them.
Take our 3-Minute Attachment Style Quiz to find out your personal attachment style, and you'll get a free customized report.
Knowing your attachment style is helpful to developing a better understanding of your interactions and behavior in relationships. Results are completely confidential.