What it looks like
Fear of intimacy is rarely felt directly. More often it's pulling away just as things get truly close; choosing unavailable partners; or needing to control the distance.
On the outside it can look like 'I'm fine on my own,' while inside there's a longing for closeness.
Where it comes from
Often there's an early experience where closeness was tied to pain, loss, or disappointment. Distance then becomes a way to protect yourself.
A psychoanalytic approach helps see that link and how it repeats now.
Where to start
The first step is noticing your pattern without self-blame: when exactly you pull away and what precedes it.
Then, in a safe space, explore what the distance protects against and whether that protection is still needed.