Having an avoidant attachment style means you\u2019re uncomfortable with intimacy and have problems developing deeper relationships <\/strong>with others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Over time your avoidant behavior could lead to depression, loneliness, feeling empty, and a general disconnect from family and loved ones.This article will help you understand what avoidant attachment is and how you can develop a healthier attachment style <\/strong>for more fulfilling relationships instead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You will learn:<\/p>\n\n\n\n We all have a specific attachment style, which, in short, is how we operate in relationships and what we expect the relationship dynamics to be. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Attachment style<\/a> is a concept developed in the 1960s by psychoanalyst John Bowlby as a part of his work on attachment theory<\/a>. It describes how different children attach to their parents. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It was later concluded that these attachment styles stay present with us throughout our lives. They affect how we interact within the context of relationships\u2014especially those romantic in nature. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Who you choose as your partner, how you behave in a relationship, and even how long you stay in one; all these can be attributed to your attachment style.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Avoidant attachment style<\/strong> describes people who are emotionally avoidant, self-reliant, and highly value their independence and freedom (to a fault).<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n They may avoid getting into committed, romantic relationships simply because closeness and intimacy make them uncomfortable. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Though they may enjoy someone\u2019s company, they tend to shut down when others get too close; they may even sabotage the relationship to maintain their distance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n So, what are the characteristics of avoidant attachment style?<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you have an <\/strong>avoidant attachment style<\/strong>, you\u2019ll most likely appear outwardly independent.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n While you might see this as a strength, in reality, you may be avoiding closeness and intimacy due to the rejection you experienced in childhood.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Instead of seeking out support from others, avoidants prefer to be self-sufficient, rely on <\/strong>self-soothing techniques<\/strong><\/a>, and suppress their emotions<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Consequently, they appear distant and aloof, which prevents them from developing deep, intimate connections with their partners and loved ones. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Because of this behavior, people with an avoidant attachment style may not get the support they need to process negative emotions healthily. They also miss out on developing healthy, meaningful relationships with others. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Take a look at the signs below and see if you can relate to them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Other signs of <\/strong>avoidant attachment<\/strong> in adults:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n If these sound familiar to you, you may have an avoidant attachment style which could negatively affect your emotional health and personal relationships.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Researchers discovered that children who had emotionally distant caregivers<\/strong> were more likely to develop an avoidant attachment style. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Children who suffered repeated rejection from their parents learned to suppress their desire for comfort when distressed or upset. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They develop a sense of shame<\/a> and feel like they\u2019re not enough<\/a>, that they are not worthy of attention and love from their parents.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Consequently, they learn to self-soothe and rely on themselves instead of their caregivers <\/strong>for comfort. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, your parent might have been strict and discouraged you from crying or expressing outward emotion. As a result, you may have learned to cry less (or not at all) while keeping your distress to yourself. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They develop a fear of rejection<\/a> that can continue into adulthood. It is often supported by an unconscious belief that other people are unreliable<\/strong>. A person with an avoidant attachment style thinks that it\u2019s safer to avoid needing others in their life.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n You may shy away from intimate relationships because life has taught you that the only person you can depend on is yourself. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you have an avoidant attachment style, you may not think there\u2019s anything wrong. After all, what\u2019s so bad about being independent?<\/p>\n\n\n\n The problem is that avoidants aren\u2019t truly independent. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n They\u2019re sustaining themselves through unhealthy behaviors such as suppressing their emotions and disconnecting from their issues. They may also not know how to process negative emotions or ask for support when they need it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n These are harmful effects of avoidant attachment in adults:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Because they fear rejection, people with an avoidant attachment style tend to keep others at a distance. They rationalize that if they don\u2019t open up or be vulnerable, other people can\u2019t hurt them. However, this also means they miss out on developing enriching and meaningful relationships. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Avoidants repress their feelings as a way to avoid being vulnerable. However, bottling up their emotions means avoidants aren\u2019t dealing with their issues; they\u2019re simply ignoring them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The resulting anxiety and stress may trigger destructive coping mechanisms such as overeating, alcoholism, or drug addiction. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In a relationship, avoidants may also shut down in times of conflict, making it impossible for their partners to connect with them and resolve their issues healthily. The relationship ends up becoming a toxic cycle of arguments that lead nowhere, or they end up separating. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Avoidants become fearful when a relationship<\/a> gets too close and may sabotage their relationships without realizing it. They may find minor faults or issues with their partner or the relationship and blow it out of proportion in order to get out of it.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you recognize any of these signs, it probably means you have an avoidant attachment style. This could potentially cause you unhappiness and prevent you from having a close connection with your partner. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The good news is that even if you have had an avoidant attachment style your whole life, it\u2019s possible to break free and develop a secure attachment style<\/a> instead.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Research has shown that having a secure attachment style is much healthier for you in the long run. Those with a secure attachment style are happier and more supported<\/a>. They are less likely to become depressed,<\/a> are more successful, and have better relationships<\/a> overall. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are a few steps you can take to start developing a more secure attachment style:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The first step to changing your attachment style from avoidant to secure is by developing mindfulness.<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s essential to recognize avoidant attachment behavior and the limiting beliefs<\/a> which perpetuate it.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Reexamine your childhood: did your parents or caregivers make you feel rejected when you were little? Do you recall feeling neglected<\/a> or feeling like you had to take care of yourself because you were alone?\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Observe what you do today: do you feel like you can\u2019t trust people fully, and the only person you can rely on is yourself? Do you find yourself nitpicking on your relationship or your partner? Is it challenging to be vulnerable or open up to them? Do you get anxious when other people get closer to you?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you\u2019ve recognized your avoidant behavior, dive deeper into the motives behind it. Ask yourself questions such as, \u201cWhy do I find it difficult to open up to my partner?\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n You may realize that you have certain limiting beliefs that stem from a deep-rooted fear of rejection. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, you may believe that other people will always disappoint you. or that being emotional or vulnerable is a weakness, so you shy away when someone gets close. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Marisa Peer, a world-renowned therapist,<\/a> explains that these limiting beliefs are embedded deep in your subconscious\u2014the part of your mind where the roots of all issues lie. These beliefs guide your behaviors without you even realizing it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Through practicing mindfulness, you become aware of how all the elements are connected: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Your childhood experiences led to a fear of rejection. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Subsequently, you developed limiting beliefs (everyone else is unreliable) and behaviors (avoidant attachment style) as a defense mechanism<\/a> to cope with this fear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With this in mind, you can start working on addressing each of these issues. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Now that you have a deeper understanding of why you have an avoidant attachment style, it\u2019ll be easier for you to develop a secure attachment style instead. <\/p>\n\n\n\n First, it\u2019s essential to challenge limiting beliefs<\/strong> that perpetuate your avoidant behavior. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, if you believe that everyone will hurt you, think back on times when your loved ones have been there for you and supported you instead. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Understand that while some people may still hurt you in the future, that isn\u2019t the default setting. Many will be supportive of you and be there for you if you let them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Further, if you believe that being emotional and vulnerable is a weakness, think about the courage it takes to be authentic <\/a>and express your feelings.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n In reality, being authentic and connected with your emotions is a strength\u2014in fact, it\u2019s considered a critical aspect of being a good leader.<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n More importantly, don\u2019t just challenge these limiting beliefs in your mind; you also need to actively act against them. <\/p>\n\n\n\n For example, if you\u2019re avoidant, research shows that simply not avoiding relationships<\/a> could help you move away from your avoidant tendencies. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re afraid of opening up, learning to be vulnerable with your partner and loved ones could help you with self-expression and developing deeper relationships. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Start by being honest about your feelings<\/a> with someone close to you. Communicate to your partner or loved ones about any insecurities or anxiety that you may have. Don\u2019t be afraid to ask for support openly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s scary at first, but the idea is to normalize being in touch with your feelings and asking for help when you need it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You may not change your behavior and avoidant tendencies overnight, but you will gradually move towards a more secure attachment style by taking small steps. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019d like some help challenging your limiting beliefs, consider self-hypnosis<\/a> programs. These programs provide positive suggestions for your mind, which helps accelerate the process of breaking limiting beliefs.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Marisa Peer\u2019s specialized Dating and Relationships<\/em> bundle<\/a> is a self-hypnosis audio bundle that can help you release your limiting beliefs about not being lovable and deserving of a fulfilling relationship. It will also empower your beliefs so that you\u2019re able to be more vulnerable and open with your partner.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n The bundle consists of three modules\u2014#1: Attract Your Perfect Relationship<\/em><\/a>, #2: Boost Your Confidence & Self-Esteem<\/em><\/a>, and #3: Lovability<\/em><\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n These modules will help you address any internalized fears and anxieties you may have in your subconscious and enhance the quality of your relationships.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, if you\u2019d like to address the root cause of your avoidant behavior directly, consider seeing a professional therapist. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Since avoidant attachment behavior stems from your childhood, you may have internalized fear of rejection in your subconscious. <\/p>\n\n\n\n With discipline and consistency, you can reprogram your mind to get rid of this fear on your own; however, it may take a long time before you see results since the root cause of this issue lies in your subconscious. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you feel that your avoidant attachment style has negatively impacted your relationships and life, a professional therapist can help you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A professional therapist will use powerful therapy methods such as Rapid Transformational Therapy\u00ae (RTT\u00ae)<\/a> to help identify and address your childhood trauma<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n The therapist works directly with your subconscious to first remove your internalized fears before reprogramming your mind to develop a more secure attachment style.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You\u2019ll find that you are more in tune with your feelings and can express your emotions with greater clarity. This allows you to be more vulnerable with your loved ones and develop deeper, more meaningful relationships. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Marisa Peer,<\/a> voted UK\u2019s #1 best therapist, is the founder of the Rapid Transformational Therapy\u00ae (RTT\u00ae)<\/a> method, which she developed over her thirty-year career as a therapist. She has successfully transformed the lives and careers of her clients all over the world, including celebrities, royalty, top athletes, and CEOs.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n RTT\u00ae is a form of therapy that combines the best principles of hypnosis, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)<\/a>, neuro-linguistic programming (NLP),<\/a> neuroscience, and hypnotherapy<\/a> to create a one-of-a-kind therapy approach that is remarkably effective.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n You may transform your avoidant attachment style to a secure attachment style in just one to three sessions after seeing an RTT\u00ae therapist. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Book a call with one of the RTT\u00ae specialist therapists<\/a> trained by Marisa Peer today. These therapists have a proven record of helping people deal with their avoidant attachment issues.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Learning how to gain the confidence you need to overcome the challenges that come with avoidant attachment, unfortunately won’t happen overnight. It takes dedication and perseverance, which can be difficult if you’re you’re doing it on your own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That’s where the 21-Day Unstoppable Confidence Challenge <\/a>comes in. Join a community of like-minded individuals, for a challenge created by Marisa Peer, that aims to teach you how to build unshakeable confidence in yourself, so you can shrug off the limiting beliefs that are holding you back in life, and become the version of you that you deserve to be. <\/p>\n\n\n\n To find out more about the confidence challenge, click the banner below and sign-up today!<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat Is an Avoidant Attachment Style? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Signs of Avoidant Attachment <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"What](\"https:\/\/rtt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Signs-1024x512.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhat Causes an Avoidant Attachment Style?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How Avoidant Attachment Style Can Affect Your Life<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"What](\"https:\/\/rtt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/How-Avoi-1024x512.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n4 Steps To Break Free From Avoidant Attachment Style <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"How](\"https:\/\/rtt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/3-steps-1024x512.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nStep 1: Develop mindfulness and reflect on previous behavior<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Step 2: Challenge your limiting beliefs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Challenge](\"https:\/\/rtt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Step-2-1024x512.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nTry hypnosis to challenge your beliefs<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Step 3: Work with a professional therapist<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"RTT](\"https:\/\/rtt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/RTT-7-1024x512.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nStep 4: Join Marisa Peer’s Unstoppable Confidence Challenge<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"overcome](\"https:\/\/rtt.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/752x365-Conf-v1.png\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nStop Fearing Love<\/h2>\n\n\n\n