Distancing Ourselves From a Loved One's Pain:  Why Friends and Loved Ones Appear Callous and Removed (WELLNESS)
Fear is not the only reason we back away from difficulty in the lives of those dear to us.  What one learns during childhood from those who raise us also sets the stage for the ability to show kindness and caring.  Unrecognized envy and jealousy can also play a role in how we respond.