As a woman, our first instinct is to try to fix the situation by getting closer to him. We'll ask him what's wrong, call him, and start worrying. But this can actually push a man further away because he'll feel coerced. 

The real secret to making sure his distance is only temporary is to let go of your efforts to bring him close. This seems counter-intuitive and frightening, since it feels like you might lose him. But that's entirely not the case. 

Here's how to give him the space he needs while handling your own vulnerable feelings so that he'll naturally want to come close all by himself. 

Step 1: Stay Centered By Realizing It's Natural for a Man to Pull Back 

Drifting away is completely natural for a man, even if he's in love with you. Falling in love can make him feel vulnerable, so he'll try to pull back in order to not lose himself. He'll come in and go out – like a rubber band – while he works out his feelings and digs deeper to find his ability to go the distance in a real relationship. Meanwhile, he's also making sure he "holds on" to his sense of self, his life, and his independence.