It could also be a pattern of relationships for him that has little to do with alcohol or recovery, but more due to other intimacy issues. I personally stuggled with relationships for years where I would get close and intimate then push the woman away to a distance. I couldn't really understand it at the time myself, but it had more to do with things that happened in my childhood (losing my sister at an early age and an absent father) than the alcohol. Or he may just not want to be involved more intimately and doesn't know how to tell you.