I do it by being too afraid to get emotionally attached to anyone, can't really recommend it. You just end up on the other side of the problem, I've had to break a relationship because my partner started to get romantically attached to me and the power balance of the whole relationship became unfair for both of us. They were always available and looking for any kind of response from me, and I was available when I could be arsed and didn't have anything better to do. It wasn't fair for them and it wasn't fair for me since I always ended up feeling guilty because I couldn't reciprocate the feelings. It always hurts to get rejected, it always hurts to reject, and it always hurts when things don't work out like you hope.

Try to be glad that you have empathy, love the people in your life and try to do what's right even when it hurts. These are all platitudes but unfortunately it's all I have, hope it gets better.