Situation · Yourself

“He seems flat and emotionless”

What could be going on

Flat affect: A flat face and voice fit; check whether feeling shows in other ways, like actions.

Alexithymia: Fits if he can't name feelings and describes sensations instead; check whether it's lifelong.

Emotional numbing: Fits if he used to show more; check for trauma, loss or long stress.

Covert depression in men (Terry Real): In men depression can look like flatness; check withdrawal, drinking and irritability.

Autism in adults: Different emotional expression can be autistic; check social, sensory and routine traits.

Schizoid personality: Only if he prefers solitude and seems indifferent to closeness and praise.