DEFINITION: Inability to disengage is a common is problem for anyone left behind in a love relationship or leaving a love relationship in which they still love the partner. The effect is worse if the relationship has been plagued by many break-ups and reconciliations as the parties become conditioned to separation without disengagment. This sometimes evolves into obsession. Failure to accept the demise and grieve the relationship makes one very vulnerable, fearful or even hopeful of reconcilaition and unable to go forward and heal.
See also Break-up/Make-up cycles, Hoover, Boundary Breaking, Post Relationship Trauma.