Avoidant Attachment

An attachment style marked by discomfort with closeness and emotional independence.

Definition

Avoidant attachment is the counterpart to anxious attachment. Avoidantly-attached people prize independence, feel suffocated by closeness, and pull back when relationships intensify. The pattern often comes from early caregiving where emotional needs were minimized. In dating, it shows up as pulling away after intimacy, slow texting, and discomfort with relationship escalation.

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