So what sort of impact can it have on a relationship? First, avoiding the negative feelings associated with emotional eating can distance an emotional eater from his or her partner. When you don't "need" another person to talk out feelings and come to a resolution, that can spell doom for the relationship. Not sharing your feelings means withholding a part of yourself from your partner. Facing those feelings can be scary for emotional eaters, and food can help mask them, much like alcohol or drugs, serving as an escape. Psychologists suggest switching to "problem-focused coping," which basically means facing problems head-on instead of avoiding them. It's not an overnight fix for emotional eaters who have hung on to the habit for perhaps years, so the help of a therapist may be needed. A supportive partner is also helpful.