When you can't give anymore of yourself (emotionally) to anyone, do you shut down?

Sure. It’s normal. Re-charge eventually happens.

I prefer to use my rationality rather than my emotion. But,that’s me.

I tend to shut down. It seems that I battle it until it completely exhausts me. I’ve tried everything from getting patience tattooed on my right wrist to meditation and stretching. I would like to be able to give 100% of myself all the time but when you have depleted yourself and there is nothing more to give I think your body naturally shuts down to re-charge.

There is no problem in shutting down or retreating inward. Just remember to reboot. I tend to get mired down and I wouldn’t recommend that. You can’t give to other people when you have nothing to give.

I’m not sure what this means but I don’t think I’ve ever tried it!

You should not give too much without some return anyway. If you are past that point, give to somebody else or find something else to do.

yes…....protection is good.

I’m going down the slippery slope, guys.

Let someone take care of you for once.

I pretty much shut down. I’m actually in that shut down phase right now, and have been in it for about six and a half months. I tend to take care of myself more when I am locked up inside myself. I don’t feel vulnerable, anxious, or tied down. When I’m in a shut down phase, I usually go numb. My thoughts and mind honestly take a toll on my body physically. I don’t feel things when I’m touched by people and all I want to do is sleep. My body reboots after a long ..very long period of resting time. I haven’t been able to rest and relax lately, so my body feels drained..and I feel nothing.