AVOIDANT/DISMISSING ATTACHMENT STYLES: ALONE IN LOVE

[@chrismcevoy2503]

I’m most relaxed and at peace when I’m alone.

[@alexas.5287]

If you're avoidant, you most likely have said to family members who had a major role in your childhood: "You only accepted me or liked me when I was happy/obedient/emotionless." This one simple statement fits with ALL the core symptoms of avoidant attachment: 1. Being overly self-reliant (and in doing so, you hide your needs, emotions, problems, and acute illnesses) 2. Pushing down anger until it explodes and manufactures the boundaries you crave but can't always ask for 3. Not wanting to burden others with your problems 4. Wanting to fix your own issues to avoid looking incompetent or even getting bullied and teased 5. Numbing out emotions with self-soothing behaviors that are either totally unhealthy or pseudo-healthy (like getting addicted to working out and healthy eating) I can definitely identify with this. Does anyone else feel the same?

[@themoonbleu627]

Wow !!!!! My goodness how do you know my life and yes gym addict actually watching this video as I run on the treadmill I’m a mother and my body looks childless had an eating disorder undiagnosed now I’m just obsess with counting calories and working out and everything else you mentioned I’m floored

[@alexas.5287]

@@themoonbleu627 I’m sorry you can relate. I have had similar issues. I don’t want to go into detail here but you’re not alone. The obsession with self-improvement is definitely linked to avoidant attachment, I’m convinced. It’s the over-focus on the self to avoid connecting too deeply with others, and trying to avoid being seen as “damaged” at the same time that fuels the pseudo-heathy numbing behaviors.

[@onnol917]

Great post. Was there a point in your life where you felt safe with someone? I really tried to provide a safe haven where she was accepted for who she was and complemented for her strenght while not blamed for her faults. But it was a neverending struggle where she unknowningly kept moving the goalpost

[@alexas.5287]

@@onnol917 Thanks. I did have one serious relationship in my life where I felt like I could let down most of my walls. They did all they could to make me feel safe. The reason it didn't work out is because, unfortunately, the basis of the relationship was unknowingly rooted in my avoidance from the start and was never safe enough. While they could show up for me on an emotional and mental level, we were worlds apart in all practical matters. It was never going to last. I didn't recognize it at the time, but safety is more than just being able to open up and be yourself with someone. That's ONE element of safety in a relationship, but that's not all we need for a healthy relationship. They couldn't provide a sense of safety by having a stable, grounded career. Their finances were messy. And so was their home life. Think about how that mirrors the chaos and lack a lot of avoidant people come from. You can have loving, well-meaning family who never have their lives together and leave you confused, isolated, and under-cared for. I think I recognized, at some level, this could be an issue from the start. But I chose to ignore it and try to work around it, even waiting for them to adjust things to meet my needs. But it never happened, and so I left. Avoidants are just as likely as anxiously attached people to fall for potential, because that way, you can blame it on the other person or circumstances vs. risking deeper intimacy, rejection, and loss. I would say your ex-partner 'moving the goal posts' sounds like someone recognizing that their needs are not getting met, because they ignored red flags from the start and are now bringing them up to give themselves an exit, or to test you to see if they can actually continue to move forward and allow deeper intimacy. It's incredibly unhealthy for both people involved. I'm not a psychologist but if I had to guess, your ex-partner was probably on the fearful vs. dismissive side of avoidance.

[@oliviajovanka7032]

Fck.

[@aisle_of_view]

I grew up in a household full of chaos. I found relief by not asking for anything. I would walk to school during snowstorms to avoid a ride by a parent. Anything and everything to avoid rocking the boat. This carried over into my professional and personal life in unimaginable ways. Self destruction and impossible for me to reach out. Won't bore you all further.

[@jtcharland]

It wasn’t boring at all. I can really empathize with that and relate. Different details but same feelings.

[@ScorpionPrincess1989]

I also have a fear of impending doom when a relationship gets more "serious" I feel as though something is expected from me, and the closeness and being able to trust another person is the most life threatening feeling, even the thought of marriage or partnerships makes me question the person in my mind repeatedly and if their feelings are "real", its so hard to explain in words what I go through. I am happiest when I am alone and Independent, I don't like to rely on anyone for my emotional well-being, financial or anything else. I have always self soothed, self financed, self loved and self everything, I am the hermit but also very social when I want to be but others even friendships I can't get too close, I always have to create a distance real or imagined

[@DrKimSage]

it's so true how scary that kind of vulnerability can be, and our tendency to self protect can be so strong🙏🏻

[@cadilac949]

Omg. You put everything in words!! It really sucks being like this, but I hope to make more breakthroughs..

[@painoftheheart12]

This was exactly how I felt when I ran away from the literally perfect man. Not my BPD talking, he was so genuine and honest with me, we could communicate openly and I felt so understood and heard with him and in turn I could focus on him when he had anything to say. But I remember seeing this adoration in his eyes, and I just....stopped. stopped texting back. Stopped talking. Avoided him at work. I just...ghosted him. Because I didnt know what to do, it was so frightening.

[@ronaldcipolla4207]

WOW. It’s been 8 months of no contact. I knew she had some personality as style that prevented her from showing emotions. Her behavior was narcissistic in how she treated me. After her discard of me like trash I researched the videos on the various types of personality attachment styles and narcissism. Too many things led to believe she may be a narcissist. That’s why I did no contact. I didn’t want to do this but I felt I had to in order to survive and heal. It was the hardest thing I ever had to do. I saw the good and kind person inside her. I thought she may change. I couldn’t change. She has to do it herself. When someone tells you (over the phone, not in person) she has no feelings for me. We were more than friends. We were intimate. But there wasn’t any intimacy really. I felt no emotions from her. I tried to get to give me some feelings but that was a mistake. I crossed the line. Feelings and intimacy made her uncomfortable. Sex is easy but intimacy is difficult for her. I had no other choice but to let her go. I wasn’t able to give her the passion she was asking for. I feel there may have been some guy in the picture that was filling her needs. She was cold, no remorse in her voice when she discarded me. It seemed that she was relieved telling me. Her behavior up to discarding me was abusive. Yet she wanted to remain friends. So so confusing. I was sick and she wasn’t around. No concern. Just annoyed, bored, and angry with me. In my heart I felt she decided to get rid of me. I meant nothing to her. All this time with her was all an illusion. Even her emotions were fake. Whether she was a narcissist, emotionally unavailable, emotionally immature, avoidant attachment style, it didn’t matter. Her behavior towards me was abusive. She was a toxic person, selfish, spoiled and lacked empathy. I feel I did the right thing to walk away from her. She never made any attempts to contact me. She has moved on. Your story sounds so familiar. My ex is very much like you. Relationships are tough. Commitment is tough. I cared for my ex. As I got close to her, she would pull away. The problem in the relationship was that there wasn’t any communication. I told her in the beginning that we need to talk to each other if something is bothering us. Don’t let it fester. I believe in working things out if you truly care about the person. I am so sorry for you. But your story has helped me understand better what a person like you and my ex is experiencing. I feel your pain, your agony. Pray to God. Prayer and meditation has helped me to heal. I’m not there yet but I am healing. I am ok. I am safe. I am loved. I pray to God that you find peace within yourself. 🙏🌹😊

[@georginafronda496]

This is me too

[@carol1623]

When you’re so avoidant that you don’t even want to reach out to a therapist because you don’t trust them 🤨

[@unterdessen8822]

I can relate to that.

[@baalzebub5000]

They’re all woke feminists

[@rednose1966]

Be indifferent about the therapist idea

[@m.slater493]

@@baalzebub5000 better than sleeping mysogynists

[@tulsalien]

i ❤ peer support

[@walker11288]

Have been with my wife for 11years and never realised I had this issue until she said she's out and wants to go it alone with our 2 kids. She has anxious attachment and every couple of years or so there will be an outburst at me for not being more emotionally present and intimate, for disregarding her feelings, for constantly finding activities to avoid our relationship (gardening, renovations, fantasy footy blah blah blah) etc. etc. Somehow we get over it and it all goes back to being the same as before, the cycle resets. I feel sick knowing I've had these issues for all this time and never realised. This has potentially destroyed my life, stripped me of the one person I love most and my 2 kids. They should teach this stuff in school! I now realise I have this problem and am committed to changing and already feel like a different man but she feels emotionally burnt out and doesn't know if she can go again.

[@DrKimSage]

I am so sorry - you are not alone and sadly, so many adults had no idea that they were more avoidant because it was how they survived their childhood. I am so proud of you for recognizing it and I am hopeful you can heal in your relationship with your wife. It matters for your kids too - they need us to be emotionally present so no matter what happens, your healing still changes the lives of those you love. Sending so much support!!!:)

[@elysegambino1597]

Ouch. I’m so sorry for your struggle and pain. I’m really happy to read this from a male perspective, as my hubby has been molded in this way as well. Like you, he loves me so much and doesn’t want to have a hurtful cycle. But it’s been years and years and it is so hard for me to stay wise and patient. I’m proud of you for being committed to change!! Stay uncomfortable, you can definitely do this.

[@tyrecks1650]

Im in this same boat right now. Been with my wife for the past 8 years. Never aknowledging my problems till now. We have 4 kids and a busy house. But I love my wife. But ive also not been faithful to my marriage or respectful in a sense. No physical cheating but I flirted and deleted messages . So I understand my journey more now than ever before.

[@unBecoming1]

Literally the same cycle story on my end brother. Thanks for being vulnerable enough to share.

[@walker11288]

Ok, so 8 or 9 months in, doing research, seeing a psych etc. and I've realised attachment theory isn't probably the best explanation for what went wrong. I've learnt that she most probably has undiagnosed BPD and that there was probably nothing I could have done or not done to save my marriage. I found a therapist that does KZbin videos called AJ Mahari and she has really helped explain things. I was way too harsh on myself, reading my original post here is a bit cringe now. The depression, the drinking, the devaluation/rejection, criticism/blame, splitting, self identity issues, issues with her mum, childhood trauma, abandonment... they all point to BPD. You can be the most perfect husband and someone suffering from BPD symptoms will still devalue, reject and abandon. To some degree I feel sorry for her, it's not her fault, but at the same time she has caused me so much pain and I feel like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. It's just all incredibly sad and tragic.

[@donstoddard8458]

Damn I'm 70 years old and you just finished describing my life. Thank you

[@VidarTemte]

❤

[@Robiniela]

As someone with this attachment style, I completely agree with the fact that it develops from parents, but I also want to argue that it solidifies by getting reinforced by people outside of your immediate family. I remember that I was vulnerable with others when I was younger, but repeated rejection or getting too involved and then being hurt has solidified this attachment style to the point where even deep friendships are intimidating.

[@plainexplainer]

For the most part, they reflect what you believed yourself all this time. Plus you're focusing on it to prove yourself right. If you decide to allow yourself to be vulnerable, present, and connected, others will more often (most of the time) also 'allow' you to be.

[@Merbella]

This style also develops from an emeshed mother and distant father. It's not always from neglect. It leads to codependence not independence. Many avoidants have this but it's not talked about a lot.

[@sparkledejager1965]

Absolutely.

[@Fourwindsofsuccess]

Well I have a mother who’s a covert narcissist & never truly tried to be a normal functioning adult to handle life on her own and raise her kids with structure. So she always told me all her business, rant to me, trauma dumped to me, wants my advice/support, and just told me things a child should’ve not been caught up in. I had to be the mediator while my needs went met, rejected, and ignored. Sometimes I have had a bit of hostility towards me because I voice my pain or problems or want a supportive parent, I get rejected. Second, I had a distant father who was sexist, a criminal, had other children, and he was never there for me like that. We had a distant relationship altogether & he would act misogynistic as well. Just a really toxic dude, he died when I was 19 unfortunately he was already dead to me. I moved on quickly. I was never provided for all that well, and became distant, isolate, and hyper-independence. I became severely independent not co-dependent. I have a low tolerance span for people who carry traits like my family members, if I see any signs of that I ghost asap. I don’t trust a lot of people easily. I was always raising up myself, my mother, half sibling , and want my peace to myself tbh.

[@rupertperiwinkle4477]

💯💯. He is classic DA whos fsther abandoned him when he was a kid. And a chronically ill mother who was intrusive and overbearing, always needed caretaking. He became her pseudo husband in a sense. Too much enmeshment. I found it sadly gross and there were 0 boundaries.

[@soundbwoy1890]

What about the inverse?

[@purplemoose6431]

I’m avoidant and this is the most accurate description of me ever

[@girliegray3081]

so sad my bf is a avoindant he is always distant and cold 💔

[@ElleS572]

Could you share how you were treated by your parents?

[@audreyf9092]

@@ElleS572 Didn’t care how I felt at all. I had to act a certain way or do very well in school to be noticed.

[@ElleS572]

@@audreyf9092 so sorry, hugs 💞

[@sherryvaldezcruz2483]

OMG 🥺😭 Finally. This is it! My root! 60 yrs later. The amt of trauma, addictions and survival skills I’ve developed and experienced all come down to this!

[@george40ish]

I had this aha moment just a couple days ago. Now comes the hard work….how can I get better. 58yo

[@Peace.Beyond.All.Understanding]

I cant thank you enough for putting the time an effort into giving us this life changing stuff for free. It gives me enough to think, hell yeah therapy is worth it for me.

[@DrKimSage]

💕Love hearing that it might open you to therapy - thank you for sharing!🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@bethwaller1789]

Having been raised by an emotionally distant and rejecting mother, I developed an avoidant attachment style. This is at odds with my INFJ personality. I feel all kinds of things, but was trained, by my mother, to hide my feelings (out of self-preservation).

[@mb-cf7cx]

I relate to this so deeply. We’re doing the work..we’ll get there friend x

[@FollowmedowntheNumberWhole]

Wow. I get it. Even my Dad trained that into me and he was the less overtly abusive one. I still can’t get over how broken I feel about h-nm

[@coppersense999]

Same.

[@unravel2053]

Yeah having a revelation today, also INFJ, I honestly thought my independence was a strength... im actually finding after leaving an area due to an abusive partner, that it doesnt serve me when i'm out of my safety net and away from my individual friends that took years to nurture. Everyone that meets me where I am thinks I'm cold when in reality im such an emotional being, they just can't see it and how do I explain to people I barely know 'hey, im like this cos of xyz'. Now with my last dating experience it's just reinforced that I 'can't trust anyone' new.... but I will do the hard work, as I want something someone healthy, I want healthy normal every day relationships. I really want to trust my gut and not my fear and not run away... though tbf it did help me to reach out when I was getting abused so silver lining I guess. The thought of any man getting close to me terrifies me, yet ironically im a hopeless romantic in a self made cage 🤷‍♀️ maybe that's why I leapt at a 'man in shining armour' and was weak to love bombing, as they make you think wow, this person is definitely into me, I can trust his feelings, noone puts in this much effort....learning curve.

[@ckyung1312]

Huh, I’m also INFJ and came from a disastrous and destructive dysfunction family. I do have a fear of being too close or serious with anyone. But I also crave deep connections. It’s like I truly don’t know how to “person” IRL due to CPTSD, but as an INFJ with a background in Psychology and obsessive interests in human nature, I can wax poetic about relationships - all kinds - in theory.

[@distico]

I was dignosed as avoidant and when I listen to your description of avoidant people I feel like you're talking about me. it's nice to give a name to my character

[@leahmclean2163]

I’m avoidant n I get actual panic attacks by reading messages like “I want to get to know you better” “can’t stop thinking of you” it makes me feel like I’m drowning in cement n the only way out is to end it… I wish counselling was cheaper because I’m getting worse as I’m getting older n don’t want to be alone for the rest of my life. It’s a no win situation when you can’t afford the help you so desperately need.

[@bellabong8862]

Leah McLane: A more affordable option until you can afford therapy might be Thais Gibson's Personal Development School. Hope that helps.

[@leahmclean2163]

@@bellabong8862 thank you so much honey xox

[@manasac3102]

Damn.. guy I dated was an avoidant. And the more I felt he was taking space fm me whenever some emotional connection happened, I used to send him similar messages coz I looked forward to more fulfilling connection, but he pulled further back. That frustrated me a lot

[@leahmclean2163]

@@manasac3102 I can promise it was everything to do with him and nothing to do with you!! It’s a real mind bender for you poor people who date is avoidants

[@rupertperiwinkle4477]

Without therapy and actively working to reparent yourself and heal your wounds and trauma, you will end up alone.

[@libefey]

Amazing explanation. I feel like I can finally pinpoint it. It’s really exhausting because it’s never my intention to hurt my significant other but once the relationship “plateaus” and is out of the honeymoon phase, it becomes too real for me. That’s the point where I welcome cheating, flirting, or just leaving. I feel really shitty about destroying these men though so I find myself here trying to heal from this. Even in friendships, I find myself annoyed if the relationship becomes too high maintenance for me. Definitely subscribed!

[@Anonymous-je9rc]

People term such persons as a hoe

[@libefey]

@@Anonymous-je9rc I’m aware. And people commenting ugly things to strangers anonymously are termed a pussy.

[@Cody-eo1hr]

You’re gorgeous!

[@jamimixon138]

You really nailed this for me. I am so avoidant that I lost a marrriage and friends and others because of my ways. I found myself praising my mother because how I turned out. I’m just now processing this at 28. Thank you so much.

[@The_whimsical_avoidantcope]

Ironically your mum did not do a good job, thats why you are avoidant. Do the work, break the generational trauma. Good luck

[@karlscheel3500]

My father was definitely the "authoritarian figure", although my mother was not. My mother was the type who would simply agree and defer to my father, no matter what he said or did. I remember him pounding his fist onto the dinner table on _many_ occasions over the _smallest_ of issues during my childhood; he definitely *wasn't* an easy person to be around! Thank you Dr. Sage, for getting me to understand why I am the way I am.

[@maliktaylor1777]

Opposite. Mom was the authoritarian and dad barely spoke.

[@theangel5416]

One parent is authoritative and cold/hard/ mean and the other one is chaotic/ emeshed an d has no boundaries? Is that how they were created in childhood?

[@govegan562]

do we have the same dad ?

[@ruchitaghosh1470]

Same here.

[@universaltruth2025]

My father did that as well sometimes. Not that often really but it obviously left an impression on me. But generally he was just cold and angry.

[@thetripimon8893]

The avoidant style you are explaining describes me. My last relationship that I was in and out of for 6 years was not healthy for both of us. To top it off I am gay and due to my Christian upbringing and beliefs about homosexuality I also had the added guilt, shame and anxiety around sex. Plus, ocd! So not only was I avoidant I rarely wanted to have intimacy and sex with my boyfriend to avoid how I would feel afterwards. He was wise to leave. My Father was emotionally unavailable and my mother used her children to get more of her emotional needs met. I was her confidant. Her and I were definitely enmeshed. I am once again in counseling and committed this time. Because I want to have healthy relationships in the future. Currently living out of my van, no friends, no stable income and refusing to fall back on my parents for support like I have my entire adult life. Thankfully I am sober from cannabis, 3 weeks now. One day at a time!

[@hollywoodstar6421]

I’m sorry to hear of your struggles. Congrats on staying sober! Keep going!

[@MarkétaVojtková-t2g]

"you could play by yourself for hours, you were such an independent child." I always thought it was a compliment, now I see it isn't. I have a long journey ahead of me. Thanks for the videos

[@gabrielegagliardi3956]

Look how avoidant children react during the strange situation experiment, basically a child plays in a room near the mother. Suddenly the mother disappears from the room and a stranger enters the room. The secure reaction should be crying "where is my mom, I need protection". But avoidant children don't cry and continue to play because they already know nobody will support them emotionally.

[@Gr33dyGenius85]

I hear you, I’m just finding out about it attachment styles a year after my ex was already fed up with me “not figuring it out”, and “not being like her friends’ boyfriends.” A day late and a dollar short, the ONE person I was actually starting to open up with and become comfortable hand holding with. Extra long hugs were her thing, which I dislike, but loved every second when it was with her. Don’t give up on your journey personal growth, you’re worth the effort, and I want my DA fam to win. I’m retired from service, that last L was a doozy. Took me a year and a half of sobriety and therapy to get by. But that yearning for love and romance is definitely extinguished, I felt it for sure.

[@blingwraith6951]

SO THIS IS WHY I DRINK SO MUCH. But seriously though, I'm so happy I found this video because I'm really realizing how much being avoidant has ruined my friendships

[@bunniewood]

As a secure who dated an avoidant, I can say it hurts everyone. I was an amazing girlfriend to this person. He made me feel lonely and neglected constantly in the relationship. I took his avoidance as incredibly selfish and aloof. None of my needs were met at all and even though I had other men interested in me I was deeply loyal and he wouldn't even sleep with me. My self-esteem was destroyed by this person and even 2 years later I'm still recovering from that treatment. He would avoid seeing me for 2-3 weeks at a time. In the end of our 3 year relationship I broke it off with him even though i loved him. To this day i don't think he will ever understand the potential we had and what he destroyed. I feel truly sad for him.

[@Chaz_NFQ]

None of your ‘needs were met at all’ but you stuck around for 3 years?

[@ramblingrahema2125]

Probably some were as something had the person stick around. Maybe things started off good but then deteriorated. Also a "secure" person can become "insecure/anxious" in certain relationships. And then tends to stick around even when things go bad :/

[@gavinbrooke]

@@Chaz_NFQ You obviously don't understand the subtle subconscious manipulations that occur in these relationships

[@simonemeghoo4944]

It’s been one year and I’m about to end it. I had no idea this disorder existed. This was the most unfulfilling relationship I’ve ever been in. It’s so sad because I really love this person, but I just cannot do this to myself anymore. I feel so sorry for him.

[@bunniewood]

@@ramblingrahema2125 this is exactly what happened. First year was good. By the middle he made me anxious. He kept saying that things will go back to how they were at the start and to "give him the benefit of the doubt" I gave him that for 2 years. I know it's too long but he kept making me believe that the good times would come back.

[@kimberlysnow1465]

OH MY GOODNESS!! You helped me more in the first 5 minutes of your video than any therapist has helped me in 35 years. WOW if that doesn't describe my mother to a T, my second ex-husband would also love to hear that there is a name for the way I act. If I told him once I told him a thousand times..."I am a big girl, I can do it myself, I don't need your help" Yes, it became a problem Hence the status "Second ex-husband"

[@fumikoh6231]

This video taught me so much. I’m an anxious attached person and I’ve been so screwed up over a breakup with an avoidant. Just being able to further understand him, and in doing so, empathize with the terrible things he’s done to me (without being able to explain why), I can finally feel some peace of mind. Thank you so much!!!

[@jamiewhite4521]

Same 😥

[@adoptioncorner1984]

Same , devastated 💔

[@bangmo2860]

Same, now I don't feel anger and frustration for the way he treated me, now I feel compassion.

[@w3n33dam1racl3]

I have this attachment style. It comes from repeated experiences of rejection and not getting my needs met in the foster care system. I had push down so much anger and any emotion really to survive and not be judged. In that system you show any emotion they label you rebellious and will try to force you to take psychotropic drugs. The foster care system is a gold mine for pharmaceutical companies to test out psychotropic drugs masked as "best interests of the child"

[@leahmelissa111]

I'm wondering if my boyfriend and I both have these attachment styles. I almost feel like mine is a mix of anxious attached and avoidant. But I think his is all avoidant. I have ocd and he is schizoaffective. We have been together for over 2 years. I have told him I loved him multiple times but he won't say it back. I questioned him and he says he does love me but expresses it in different ways... he also has said he doesn't show his emotions because he has trouble "feeling". I'm starting to just feel alone and fantasize about what it's like to actually be loved. Before him I dated a ton of narcissists.

[@johnnycassell4338]

This is the most concise description of this disorder that I've ever seen.

[@johnnycassell4338]

@@Sky10811 A very disordered attachment style.

[@radicalhonesty3628]

I try to process my thoughts as I watch this video, I mostly feel happy and light and grateful and I just pray... that the past doesn't get in the way of my happiness... and that all my stresses don't overwhelm me... and... there's a person I want... I want them to want me, just as I am. I pray for true love...

[@alexiswinter6948]

Me exactly. There isn't anyone I can't live without. I can do it better for myself. I can do better on my own. The steps to fixing my style sounds like hell on earth.

[@constanceholloway2525]

This is 110% accurate. I’m actually having these “Aha” moment. Thinking over feeling. It makes sense. Thank you. Much love from South Africa 🇿🇦

[@hannahjean731]

Mind blown. I wish I had known this information before dating

[@DrKimSage]

me too - lol:). Thank you for sharing and posting!🙏🏻💕

[@williammccarthy960]

This has been very helpful to me. It very much gave me answers to questions I have had for the last 30 years. I have been single for ten years and growing increasingly lonely as I get older. The thing is, every relationship I have had since my mid 20's has been blighted by the severe anxiety emotional connection causes me. I came to the point that I believe myself to be disqualified from relationships. For me to even consider a relationship is enough to bring on anxiety. I play with the idea in my mind and the anxiety starts. I tried internet dating for a bit, but even this brought on the anxiety. I felt a sheer terror at the idea of connection. Anxiety overwhelms me, I try and manage it, I become fatigued and end up having to finish another relationship. I gave up completely a few years back. I accepted finally that relationships just weren't for me. I get some enjoyment out of life but there is an emptiness in me. Recently, out of the blue, I agreed to date somebody from work whom I had fancied from a distance for three years. I really like her and I know that she has strong feelings for me. Within two weeks, the anxiety is as overwhelming as it has ever been. I am using different techniques to try and manage this, including vagal exercises and meditation. I am doing slightly better than previously and trying not to keep it from having too much of an impact. I am fighting to not get into push me/pull me behaviour, or to create an internal monologue that sabotages the relationship - it is true, I have terrible self-esteem and can become irritable and moody, focussing on creating or exaggerating the defects of the other person. I am trying so hard not to succumb but it is very difficult. I am away from her for a few days and I am dreading the texts that tell me she is missing me. I don't look forward to speaking with her as it just shouts 'connection' at me. I do really like her and when I am relaxed, looking at a picture of her electrifies me, but simultaneously, it generates instant, unmanageable anxiety. I just want to be able to relax and build a relationship but it is so tiring fighting to keep anxiety at bay. Anyway, I get some consolation from watching this video because it resonates. Thank you for posting it and hopefully, the advice and info can help me come out on top and bring me happiness.

[@scarletsletter4466]

William, your story is very common. Did you grow up with a caregiver who was alcoholic/ addicted or otherwise unpredictable? Or who was neurotic and relied on you for support? Have you tried or considered SSRI medication? My partner was like you in the beginning, and I want you to know that it's 100% possible for you to have a secure attachment. A big part of it will be finding the right person who understands the "ick" or "fear" factor you get. There are ladies out there (I'm one of them) who like a lot of space and don't like mushy stuff. Good luck 👍

[@diatractedone9797]

Thank you for your testimony. I thought I was the only one who is a basket case. I went through a similar experience but somewhat with anxiety (I think). I haven't tried to actively bond another person but been mostly on analysis paralysis. Like you, I have thought of myself non compatible due to my differences in interests in my hobbies or failure at things in life like not having my own place. My problem is when or if a guy finds interests in me I want to cut it off quick at first sight. I think of thousands of excuses within myself why I'm not compatible, or they are trying to control me. Then I think of scare tactics to make them become disinterested in me of throwing in things I have interests in that maybe weird to others. Numerology is one example. Most of my 20s was just work. Anger was in there as well. I know I still have much healing to do and lots of deprogroming of protective thought patterns. Don't give up but keep pushing.

[@levicodm1961]

​@@scarletsletter4466 i am like that and my mom was unpredictable and depended on me for support so i really want someone who can understand that but i dont know if i can find someone like that

[@GrahamNificent]

Focus on resolving the core childhood trauma under these patterns. The anxiety is trying to lead you back into those traumas so they can be integrated. Using meditation to regulate yourself along the way is alright for coping, but if that's all you're doing, with no trauma resolution practices along side, then you're basically using meditation to suppress, and that anxiety will erupt one day.

[@chuck3999]

It's nice to hear a therapist know what they are talking about.

[@roshalllambert]

Wow this is such an interesting and accurate video. I am a recovering Dismissive Avoidant who is now primarily secure (I still have few more things to heal) and everything you said was spot on.

[@leahparks2466]

I'm dating a DA who is currently going through therapy and I am so appreciative that he is brave enough to take that on. You too should be commended!!! I'm curious as to how long it took you to move to secure? I'm certain everyone's journey is different and I'm in it with him no matter the length. .Just curious.

[@roshalllambert]

@@leahparks2466 Thank you :) I actually joined the personal development school (if you are aware about it) in June last year and first got my 50% secure score after like 5-6 months after doing the work which meant that I was primarily secure during that time but I still had underlying DA tendencies to work on but after that I have made more progress while doing the work and now I am 75-80% secure. When I started I was around 60% DA.

[@leahparks2466]

@@roshalllambert thank you so kindly for taking the time to answer. I wish you the best!!!

[@roshalllambert]

@@leahparks2466 Thank you! Wish you all the best too for the success of your relationship!

[@DEFACTO9]

@@roshalllambert Nice. Work. You can't skip it, can you really? Even Prince Harry said. To combat the issues you have to do the work.

[@terrysparkshiking]

This entire podcast describes me, my childhood and adulthood in a way that I can understand who I am. Thank you.

[@alisonolley4042]

This is me to a T. I like being self reliant and never want to depend on others. Spot on about thinking someone will take my autonomy and I need to self soothe alone. However I’m very open and in tune with my emotional expressions and self awareness. This might be because this only started for me in adulthood, so I had some ‘normal’ years

[@ShayNaBre]

Goodness this has described my husband, I recently lost my mom suddenly right before Christmas in 2021. Everything changed it was like the more I needed him emotionally the angrier he got with me. Love your name btw ! It’s my daughter’s name but flipped flopped lol

[@shaylawrought6962]

This is on point and describes me too a T. I tend to push people away and I learned this about myself and I’m slowly working on it.

[@blurglide]

Wow- this describes me almost perfectly (except that I long ago stopped thinking there was such a thing as an ideal partner). You say to "lean in to the emotions with other people", but that's the problem...I can't really do that. I'm detached from my own, so also with others. It's like saying "the answer is to stop being avoidant". I think this is compounded by being a man, where it feels very "weak" or "vulnerable" to be anything but stoic. The times where I have expressed my emotions, it's typically come back to bite me and offered no benefit. For example, I used to think there was such a thing as an ideal partner and thought I found her. I depended so much on her for my happiness, I think she lost attraction for me. When she left, I was just devastated, and fell into a deep depression for a couple of years. Lesson learned: there's no perfect partner, and it's far too risky to depend on others for your needs. My girlfriend is not my therapist and shouldn't be responsible for my happiness.

[@gavinbrooke]

You DO realize that everything you said is a bunch of cognitive distortion BS, right?

[@don-eb3fj]

isn't "cognitive distortion BS" the root reason we're all watching KZbin videos to try to build self-awareness ? No matter our attachment style or personal history, we all have our cognitive distortions that cause problems for ourselves and others. For those who don't, it must be nice to be so damn PERFECT - please DO TELL us all your secret so we can join you on your mountaintop. ;)

[@gavinbrooke]

@DON If we're trying to gain self awareness, then we shouldn't be making absolute proclamations like he did. Essentially he was cementing himself in the walls of his own distortions.

[@sackettfamily4685]

Before my husband married me, he could have easily written this. We're deeply in love now, but still have our issues. You don't have to be alone!

[@fredrikdippel3664]

Nothing external can make you happy. Happiness is found within you. It's good to not be attached. You can still enjoy persons or things but be aware that its not granted. You're not entitled anything.

[@Somewhere-In-AZ]

My older sister and younger brother both had health issues as young children. I was super healthy. There is less than 2 years between older and me and younger and me. My mother catered to my siblings every need, but would roll her eyes if I needed anything. It’s just how it was, I don’t think I ever gave it much thought. I remember when a close friend died and my mother saying “what the hell is wrong with you?” That memory really stuck with me. I’m definitely a loner but very empathetic toward others. I’m pretty happy with the way things are. Not lonely.

[@resueah7257]

Sounds as though your mother knew how to be attentive to physical needs but not emotional ones

[@tulsalien]

“don’t see things as negative” is really true. i’m realizing i’m probably way more DA than i would’ve liked to admit lol. i found a spiritual approach is way more effective. i’ve been taking it back to help my friends who have also endured a lot and want to be more open hearted. thanks for your time and energy that went into making all this content ❤

[@KatieSalib]

Kim, as a therapist and someone who can identify wholeheartedly, you are absolutely fantastic!!! Best therapist I have seen on here. TY

[@liltsummerlin423]

This has been By Far the best explanation of how they are that I've heard in the 2.5 years I've been researching dismissive avoidant persons. I'm going to share this with my Ex who is definitely a DA (and whom I still Love very much at my core). Thank you

[@adrianhill4208]

This video has helped provide such a peace of mind for me with understanding my husband! With the information you provided I feel now that I can be more understanding and compassionate towards his efforts to express emotion and engage in intimacy! Thank you Dr. Kim Sage! Your work is amazing and your knowledge is astounding! Keep doing what you doing! Your really making a difference and I I'm grateful for the difference you were able to make for me. 😊

[@DrKimSage]

I somehow missed this - thank you so much for watching and for taking time to share feedback!💕🙏🏻💕

[@bluenile7073]

I will do the whole 'agonizing over the ones that got away' thing. I'm doing it right now over a recent departed partner. I think that it provides a safe space to feel the types of emotion I really wanted to feel about her, only this time in my head and after she has already gone for good. This way I can safely 'feel' and open myself up in the fantasy I create in my head, where I don't have the risk of being rejected. As a bonus, I get to kick myself when I'm down and wallow in self pity for screwing up another good thing.

[@jtcharland]

Wow dude this is me. 🙋🏼‍♂️ didn’t even realize I did that, but I related so much to your comment.

[@arzooray3145]

Thank you so much for sharing,I. You are 100 percent right my mom was emotionally unavailable teen mom and I’m dismissive avoidant now I’m suffering I never knew until I met someone worse than me 😰😰😩😩

[@cadilac949]

^^^^^ this!!!

[@tiniliciouz]

Kim, I stumbled upon your channel by accident and I have to say while watching this video, something in me healed. I myself am more of an anxious attachment style (maybe even accompanied by avoidant tendencies) and a lot of my friendships as well as romantic relationships include avoidant partners/friends. I never really saw a connection as to why it always happens to me. it makes so much sense now. This video especially made me understand the patterns of a current love interest. I watched numerous videos on attachment styles because it's such an interesting topic but it seems like you really got through to me. It seems like I got it after months of trying to understand myself and the people I tend to draw into my life. choosing avoidant people because I can't have them goes all the way back to my avoidant mother with whom I lived until I was 18 and my anxiously attached father who I am in touch with. Thank you for helping us with your brilliant videos, Kim.

[@adoptioncorner1984]

Totally relate, I always attract avoidant men and friends.

[@BedlamsSon]

So. I've listened to a -lot- of these style of videos. You're one of the only ones that not only avoided the pop-psychology, accurately pegged several issues I'd been wondering about myself, and gave me several avenues to look into work to do. 10/10. Thank you for not only being professional in your manner of speech, and explaining your points and advice clearly. Well made and done. You -literally- had me shout and felt called out to a point.

[@resueah7257]

How do the other ones engage in pop psychology? I'm just trying to figure out what the distinction is.

[@cassandragrayes6149]

Omggg this is exactly how my last relationship was to the teeeee 🤦🏾‍♀️. I feel seen and feel like I just leveled up another level of peace and growth just from watching this one video. Thank you

[@WhosIggy]

Thank you Dr. Kim Sage! You deserve so many subscribers and I hope to see your channel grow. Watching this truly made me feel hopeful. For the longest time, I thought there was something wrong with me and how I show up in my relationships. After hearing you talking about brain development or lack thereof, the inability to differentiate if situations are good or bad because of being unable or having a hard time to tap into emotions, and recalling childhood memories, I FELT so SEEN. I am definitely talking about this in my upcoming therapy session!

[@DrKimSage]

Thank you so much for sharing this! I deeply appreciate you and your kindness in my channel's growth:). To be honest, I know I probably say this a lot, but you do deserve to been SEEN and HEARD and UNDERSTOOD! Good luck in your session!!🙏🏻💕

[@chrismcevoy2503]

I have Avoidant Attachment Style because I’m very independent and self-reliant.

[@peacefullyme848]

There is a difference between hyper-independence or counterdependence and being independent or being able to be interdependent with others in a healthy way. A lot of self reliant independent people have healthy secure attachment styles.

[@chrismcevoy2503]

I tend not to ask people for help. I try to be self-reliant.

[@rfcxzs]

For a year now I have avoided relationships because I knew something was wrong with me. It's only been a few weeks that I realized I'm an aboudant..... it crushes me to know that I been this to some wonderful women who didn't deserve it. I had know idea why I am the way I am... thankyou for making these videos.

[@chrismcevoy2503]

I feel like I’m alone in love Dr. Sage and I’ll never find that special someone to share my life with

[@sparkledejager1965]

Finally realised where my defence mechanisms come from. Knowledge is power. THANK you for this powerful insight ☺️

[@mahsaabidbid5775]

You described me 😢 and I feel so sad 😢 but thank you for the beautiful explanation ❤

[@lisac77]

So glad I found this channel. I have watched tons of DA videos and this is the only one that has really explained the true origins and how it continues to manifest. I bought a new notebook just to watch more of your videos and take alot of notes. Thank you ❤

[@heidyiglesias5536]

Going through a breakup, my ex partner is definitely has an avoidant attachment. It was so painful, specially towards the end. I was never sure but this video is very validating. It confirms what I’ve felt all along.

[@SweetandSassyRedhead]

OMG YES! Thank you. So informative. I live alone with my dog and have been for a few decades. I so value my alone time yet at times crave companionship.

[@The_whimsical_avoidantcope]

I was in a relationship with a fearful avoidant. It was hell. I didnt know about attachment and thus did not understand what i was dealing with, with all the red flags that didnt sit well with my instincts. I was discarded as per textbook style when everything is going woderfully. Everything you said here is so spot on.

[@valkyriesanborn189]

I'm learning about it cause I'm trying to stay away from partners that are this way. I am secure and I just want a healthy relationship. I have been with both anxious and avoidant. I was able to be with both because of my security but it's really a lot of work with little pay out. So now I would just like to look for a secure partner... who is able to receive and give love easily.

[@arvyarvy4242]

Why is this so spot on.

[@stevebennett6302]

I am only good with casual spontaneous relationships.. whenever women want to make solid future plans i feel trapped & panic.. its a horrible condition to live with 😢💔 its cost me numerous partners...

[@OneDanae]

I hope you won't take offense to this, and I understand people fall along a spectrum of avoidance with some having a more 'severe' form than others. Do you have any deep relationships such as with friends or family? I have been talking to someone for 4 months. No clue what his personality is like. Can't get a conversation out of him to save my life. I am at the point where I let him initiate because I feel like a fool trying to chat up someone who can only reply with one word answers, which I understand likely means we will talk less and less. I can't help but wonder if everyone in his life is at arm's length or is it just in the romance department? I'm sorry for your struggle. I hope you are able to work through some of those things, if that is what you desire.

[@stevebennett6302]

@@OneDanae i wouldn’t say my other relationships are ‘deep’ but i certainly have no problem initiating relationships & cultivating new ones.. i am actually quite sociable in a ‘lone wolf’ kind of way, as i do everything alone.. i often travel to different cities on my own for a weekend break & have no trouble befriending the locals! I often get asked ‘why are you single??’ .. but its because i feel my freedom is restricted once i am in a relationship (not sexually) just i dont feel free to be truly who i am.. its very tricky.. maybe its just i haven’t met the right person yet?? X

[@OneDanae]

@@stevebennett6302 Thanks for your reply. So - I think that if you haven't explored the "why" to your feeling of loss of freedom and you aren't dating people who are outright controlling it might not be due to not having met the right one. The question is why do you feel that way in the first place? I have never experienced that feeling unless I was in a relationship with someone who was actually trying to control me if that makes sense. I'm no therapist so I probably shouldn't speak on the matter at all lol. You certainly sound like an interesting person. I bet 'my' guy is too. If only I were one of his friends I might be able to see that side of him. I went through a period of avoidance (like 10 years!) after trauma. I have finally come out of it, heart is open and ready and who do I develop my first crush on? Haha! Just my luck. Geeze!

[@adamjoshuaberlin]

This is the greatest video ever. Thanks 🙏🏻

[@chrismcevoy2503]

I was good at playing by myself as a child Dr. Sage.

[@VengefulPolititron]

I play a videogame. Skyrim. in the game you can get married. to have a helper. I couldn't even do that in a game couldn't decide which character is safe or best. cant choose. heavy decisions

[@k.k.9777]

Oml that is hilarious! 😂😂😂

[@victoryhouse1446]

I knew I was avoidant, but sheesh! Lord help me get past all of my past 🙏🏾

[@B9boizi9]

Bounced on my brains synapses to this for decades! Thanks!

[@Daniel-Deshaun]

There’s like a 7 year gap in my memory from 5-12 and I only have a few memories. I was homeschooled and my parents didn’t like the neighbors kids so I remember looking out the window at them sad knowing I’d get punished if I played with them. I remember a moment after on of their punishments that I realized that I could discard my emotions and enter a sorta zombie mode where nothing would hurt. Can’t feel hatred or anger towards them if you discard your capacity for any emotions. And also there was this giant shed we had and I realized that the only place I could get away from their shouting was to be away from everyone. I didn’t get my first friend until senior year of hs in 2019 but in 2020 the pandemic hit and I still haven’t figured out how to fix it

[@universaltruth2025]

That is really sad to hear. Sorry to hear that. I really hope your life improves ❤️

[@cthebrightside]

Thank you for taking the time to provide all this information. It's so detailed and helpful.this is my attachment style and I needed this for sure

[@indridcold8433]

I am very avoidant. I will reject anybody that starts getting close to me. It spares me the heartbreak of when the person will eventually leave me anyway. I am not the type of person people want for a friend because as soon as I feel some kind of connection, I disappear never saying a why I did. I am so self-reliant, independent, and resourceful that I have no idea how to include someone into my life. Thus, I remove the random variable and avoid the unpredictable variable, the other person, and return to my extreme self-reliance.

[@tinamaloney3440]

This is definitely my dad!

[@anakinskywalker1268]

Mine too

[@anthonycarbonaro7890]

Very excellent presentation!

[@loosusan5412]

Omg this video is all I need right now! I am dating an avoidant type boyfriend. Everything you said fits him!

[@juliesmith4539]

I had abuse and neglect as a child I managed to remember so much that helped me when I went to court years later I knew I had to keep what was said and done to me in my head

[@gemmalynch7256]

I relate to a lot of this and I do have an avoidant attachment style but I have no issue recalling emotional neglect in childhood and discussing it openly. I’m a psychiatric RN and I’m very self aware. I self reflect deeply and emotionally communicate with my partner but I do have that fear of them encroaching on my independence and autonomy. If I feel this is happening I tend to back away.

[@resueah7257]

Are you dismissive or are you more disorganized a.k.a. fearful avoidant?

[@TarnishUK]

This describes me quite accurately, although I'm now conscious that the root cause goes back to my childhood. I've had a number of relationships over the years, divorced twice..I don't like being alone but now I find myself unable to.face the thought of another relationship and letting another person down and going through the pain of another break up. I really am.stuck in.a rut.

[@beneaththedogwoodtree7944]

This is an incredibly helpful video. I understand my dad (and myself) so much more now. Thank you!! !

[@sarahe.bailey4659]

I'm hoping I can change. Learn how to feel MY emotions again, because I have empathy and love and compassion. I do want to talk about the childhood stuff with my people. I want to have more than 2 people that I'm close with in my life

[@sarahe.bailey4659]

I find it's hard to hug or tell my daughter I love her because I never got that I guess. It makes me feel like a bad mom.

[@GulnaraOmar]

What a wonderful and clear explanation! Thanks for your great work and helping your audience get better and healthier ❤

[@luxeyjames5283]

This is my partner you described him exactly - I often feel he hates me instead of loves me , he makes it nearly impossible to love him & I can’t love him out of this or fix him & he refuses therapy

[@oliveoil7642]

I’ve heard it said that those who are the most unlovable need love the most. Describes my father and husband but I don’t think I can do it anymore. 😫My father has passed (full of regret and sadness but detached with the stiff upper lip til the end) My husband while not a bad person is detached and aloof. During family gatherings he usually leaves the room to watch TV downstairs choosing as little engagement as possible. Don’t see him ever changing but fortunately I had a loving mom and my kids are who I live for ! Oh, yes I got a pup that has become an amazing companion! 🥰

[@prof.burton8412]

Excellent presentation. Thank you Dr. Sage.

[@gebronthomasson6960]

The best video so far on this., and I’ve watched a buttload of different ones by you and others. Thanks for your insight

[@joelk8228]

Thank you Dr. Sage I'm soon to be 75 and have often wondered why or who I am. You have perfectly explained my life. Thank you for your this defining session! You have a new subscriber. Thank You!

[@SacredNerve]

Oh my GAWD!!!! Did my inner world just manifest itself into physical form via this video? LOL! Fuck. This whole video was scary how accurate it described me. Even the subtle nuances. Thank you Dr. Sage for the time and effort, and your way of explaining and articulating.

[@chrismcevoy2503]

I’m an Avoidant Dr. Sage.

[@rightweaponry908]

Wow, first this describes me in soo many ways, but watching this i just had a revelation. I think i developed this attachment style as a child because i subconsciously felt the need to balance my mother's extreme emotions. My mom has BPD and it just hit me that soo much of her rage towards me is that i am not emotionally like her in any way. She tried her very best to mold me in her image as to always have someone in her life to control. I think she has always been angry that i am totally different her, even though i needed to be if we were going to survive. My mom made it clear that there was not enough room for us to both have feelings and i took the hint but she also completely ignores any and all emotions i express unless i express them in an extreme way that she can recognize. Which made it even more confusing, i would have to translate my feelings into performative gestures for her to take them serious. I'm still struggling with understanding my emotions and knowing how to appropriately express them. Thank you soo much for this video, it's been incredibly insightful.

[@karlad4082]

This really touched me personally. 😢 100% true. Except going back to old relationships. Once I leave, I don’t ever look back because I feels safer/empowered that way. I feel desensitized from “feelings” and don’t know how to activate emotions 😞 I was raised with a cold and dismissive mother who almost dreaded spending time with us, and she’s still the same way. Thank you so much for your videos 🙏

[@JuancarmeloTapiaSantana]

Only 7 mins in and o.m.g... almost 60 yrs old, 10 yrs on/off with shrink, diagnosed bipolar 2, BUT this is me. 30 yrs of untold cocktails of meds that haven't worked, al contrario, searching for answers, looking for reasons why I struggle so much. Read so many self help books I could probably write one myself, exercise, spirituality, diet, myriad of different therapies, tried it all... Why do we have to find these things out for ourselves? Shrink's never mentioned avoidant personality disorder, probably no pill commissioned for it... so, now I know, who I am, what I've got, too late to make a significant change now. What a light bulb moment!

[@chrismcevoy2503]

I feel that way Dr. Sage I can’t really trust you to do anything so I’ll just do it myself.

[@unterdessen8822]

That's not just a feeling, let's be honest here. When I ask people to do things for me, their usual reaction is not to give a sh*t. They may agree to do it, but then push it away endlessley, give a half-arsed performance or just outright reject it after a while anyway. After half a dozen of these frustrating responses, you just stop asking. And, no, to make this clear: I'm not asking for outrageous things, that are super difficult to do, very expensive or longterm tasks. We're talking about things like mowing the lawn before the grass is 3 ft high and catches fire again, or installing the door and roof on the fricking shed you built. If I can't finish something on my own, I won't ask people to do it for me. I hire a company. That's the least stressful way to get things done.

[@jodyelizabethoellerich1405]

Last Oct 31. They had a death ritual done to unalive me. My twin brother died Nov 7th. He don't play about his twin sister. He's been guiding me along with The Divine, My Angels, My Ancestors of the Highest White light and of the Highest Order. Of all of my past lives and this one. I have Stadiums and Stadiums of Ancestors and Angels. They dont stand a chance. Thank you for guiding me with your readings. Ive been following you since last Nov.

[@courtneyr6645]

Validating and eye-opening. I thought the intellectual/cognitive responses (not responding emotionally) were a result of having a decent EQ - behaving rationally instead of just reacting with feelings, and the sense of independence/autonomy that I’d feel was a defensive or protective response, and now I know why. And chasing the idea of finding the real, true love and the one person for the long haul, and the feeling of loneliness when I let myself think it may never happen….I’ve never felt so personally called out. Yikes.

[@carolinethompson376]

Thanks, that's interesting and helpful in my self development work. 🙂 I believe I am a D.A. and am beginning to understand how that might have come about and what I can do to move past the unhelpful habits that keep me single.

[@ginaryanbearfighter7065]

Wow I don't remember the first six and a half years of my life, but my first memory is my elder sister abusing me and she was a malevolent narcissist. She body shamed me and every kind of abuse. My lonely childhood years was of fear sadness, and abuse I never knew that I would be something like this but watching this video I can identify that now. The one thing that always stand out to me is that I feel utterly alone, and that I always have since childhood.😮 I have periods of sadness and I don't know why.

[@mattng4707]

Dam ya just explained me, got emotional listening to this.

[@starseeker4716]

This is 100% me.......thanks for the help Kim 💗

[@ajnadey7173]

This video was very cogent and helpful. Thank you

[@Thi-Nguyen]

My mom didn’t have affectionate parents. In fact, from about five years old, my grandmother would send my mom to live with other families to help with various chores and such. My grandmother would come by monthly to collect the pay but that was it. She often moved my mom from one home to another if she found more lucrative opportunities. Consequently, my mom suffered disassociation from a very young age. As a parent, she didn’t know how to show affection, so my sisters and I also learned to disassociate, especially since our father was abusive too. Now, my mom is VERY affectionate with us, and has shown us that being affectionate is safe. Anytime we see each other - even though we all live within at most 15 minutes away - we hug each other every time we see each other and before we leave. We kiss our mom on the cheek, and anytime we interact, we say “I love you”. That’s whether we are in person, by phone or even through texts.

[@kirstinstrand6292]

Kim, you've got great skills! It's a joy listening to you. ❤

[@dibadawg3908]

I'm currently falling in love with a girl who is an avoidant. The mixed signals I'm getting are driving me up the wall. She has opened up to me about her deepest secrets and stuff that she is also afraid of sharing with her mother. I have even gone to a psychologist myself to better understand the type of person that I am in love with. The good times are great, but when something emotional happens, she completely goes into her own space, and I'm often the first person she shuts out. She has also been the victim of SA from a family member when she was a child. Unfortunately her family has never really been in the financial position to seek guidance but she also has held this in and not told her parents about it. So far, I'm the only person she has told other than her sister who was also a victim from the same family member. I have been planning on having a conversation with her about our situation and been split in my mind on how and what to say exactly. But your video has definitely given me some direction on how I need to address the situation.

[@manasac3102]

You will eventually get exhausted. That's what happened with me. I understood why my guy behaves like that n tried hard to give him space n reassurances. But he eventually felt I was annoying n clingy

[@dibadawg3908]

@@manasac3102 I've shown her this video and a couple more now. She understands herself a bit better. I'm an only child so I also struggle with partners who are clingy and space. But ye, I told her she cannot expect me to wait around forever. I know she has feelings for me, but she is scared of commitment, having been self sufficient with her emotions due to circumstances. I am getting to the end of my string in terms of waiting. It's just difficult because I do really love her.

[@ClayMastah344]

I think the tricky thing on finding healthy partners is the people you had in life that made you this way were horrible and all you knew. So your barometer for tolerance on dysfunction in relationships is abnormally high. You KNOW this and try to over correct by raising standards higher than you’ve accepted or even others. It’s hard to discern whether the standard is unattainable or acceptable because you’ve already accepted the unacceptable for so long.