They say this when they need to quiet their fears, when they get overwhelmed, I am sorry though,

Channel: Mack Herman
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cda7ORGlkHA

When a dismissive avoidant says "I need space," it is about regulating their own emotional overwhelm - not a rejection of you - and chasing them confirms the very fear that sent them running.

Key points

• To you, space signals distance and loss; to them it is control over emotions they never learned to handle.
• When closeness gets too real, their nervous system sounds an alarm - they disappear to quiet the internal noise, not to reject you.
• You cannot convince them they are safe; your job is to stay grounded and not chase, because pursuing them confirms their fear.
• Let them regulate; if they are not truly done, they will peek back when they feel safe again.