Closing Off for Dummies

Closing off is an expression that can have a couple of different meanings, so let's break it down into understandable terms. Firstly, when we say someone is "closing off," we typically mean that they are becoming more withdrawn or shutting themselves away from others. It's like when you see someone who usually loves talking to people suddenly stop interacting and become quiet and reserved. It's as if they've put up an invisible wall around themselves, keeping others from getting too close. Has there ever been a time when you felt like you just wanted to be alone and didn't feel like talking or being social with anyone? That's kind of what closing off is like for some people.

Now, let's look at another meaning of "closing off."

Closing off can also describe a physical action where you are blocking or sealing something. Think about a water bottle, for example. When you twist the cap tightly, you are effectively "closing off" the bottle, preventing any liquid from spilling out. Similarly, closing off can refer to shutting a door or a gate, making sure that no one can enter a room or go through a specific entrance. It's like creating a barrier that stops anything from passing through. Have you ever closed a door or a gate to keep something out or to keep something in?

So now that we've discussed both meanings, let's summarize.

Closing off can mean when someone becomes distant or less social, putting up a wall to keep others from getting too close. Alternatively, it can refer to the physical act of blocking or sealing something, creating a barrier that prevents anything from passing through. So, whether it's an emotional barrier or a physical barrier, closing off involves putting up a form of restriction or separation.