This Is What Happens When You Stop Talking to an Avoidant Attachment

[@AmandaMicallef]

As much as DAs shut down at conflict, they are quick to create it and then take very little accountability… hard work

[@danilaroche1156]

I think your right! Dang.

[@Ken-od7gc]

So true.

[@Arysia8]

Very true!

[@SeanGilbertson]

Thank you for calling this out. The DA I’m with seems to be extremely quick to cause conflict and make their emotions as big as possible, and use manipulative tactics to try and take control of things, and then they’ll act like nothing happened 20 minutes later.

[@christineosullivan5061]

😅😅

[@lincolnadams83]

Avoidants definitely teach you how to only invest at their level and not over invest that's for sure...They are a hard but necessary lesson for us anxious attachments working towards secure attachments...

[@Pinkyxohx]

Thiiissssssssss.

[@Kayla_Kizzle]

It’s important to remember all Narcissists have insecure attachment styles but not all insecure attachment styles individuals are narcissists.

[@gracieb.3054]

@@SallySkellington94 Isn't that one of it's hallmarks? They don't do intimacy.

[@LeVidocq]

Also important to remember that having narcissistic behaviors doesn't make you a narcissist in the clinical sense(Narcissistic Personality Disorder).

[@LeVidocq]

@@SallySkellington94 people find it le satisfying to diagnose someone than to just call them a selfish jerk.

[@nandaflorentino]

But is so hard to tell which is which when it comes to DAs

[@LeVidocq]

@@nandaflorentino Why even entertain it to begin with if you don't have enough context to know either way? it might be hard if you're a person who primarily speaks and understands emotional language, because DAs are going to be significantly less emotional than you and they don't often express themselves that way. But if you can connect to them in more intellectual ways first, you have an easier path to tracking their emotions and the context of their behaviors.

[@faithing88]

Im exhausted so exhausted that my exhaustion is exhausted. I cant

[@ievaberzina7840]

Top comment of all of the comments. 😄

[@SeanGilbertson]

🫂

[@darkgiggler]

Yes! How I feel... :(

[@kevinkurgansky4479]

Same

[@Vanessa-527]

I got exhausted just reading your comment.

[@spiritwanderer777]

so even if they regret losing the relationship they will repress that feeling to feel better. it seems they live in a never ending struggle to pretend that everything is ok

[@amandalongman737]

Or to force u to act like it’s ok. Bc if u bring it up in anyway they will lash out at u. N then deflect. I’m not playing those games they can stay in their endless cycle of misery

[@spiritwanderer777]

@@amandalongman737 Once I learned about DA attachment style I refused to play too and left after 2.5 years. Now I'm healing my heart, it's only been 3 weeks.

[@andrewmeppen8068]

You hit the nail on the head. I'm DA in recovery. Everytime my wife would confront me with a problem to be addressed I would say I don't know what to do (I really sad no idea). Then there would be consequences because she didn't get her needs met and I would just tell myself "that's the way it is now". Even though I was the one shutting down and closing and killing the relationship, my internal feelings were that I was a failure for not finding a solution and there was nothing I could do to make my wife happy (let alone connected) and that's how relationships were. That her wants were brought about by her own mind and that I couldn't do anything to effect it good or bad.

[@spiritwanderer777]

@@andrewmeppen8068 thank you for sharing. it's rare to have an insight into DA's mind. i wish you a fulfilling healing. I recently ended a relationship and friendship with my ex who was an extreme case of a DA after 3 years of being together. now i'm too healing and working on rebuilding self-esteem

[@Britania-Valon]

I never regretted anything and anyone. Billions of people on the planet so who tf is you lol. Once I go no contact I neve look back and I don’t feel crap hence my blatant honesty. Like bye biotch.

[@karmelomarin9592]

What happens is you save yourself, learn your lesson and move foreward.

[@Nonfiction.Reader]

Exactly.

[@0125FordBronco]

How many times am i going to have to watch these videos and read the comments to accept that my ex DA isn’t for me? It’s like how many licks does it take to get to the center of a tootsie pop? the world may never know…

[@hbirg7893]

Damn…ive been asking myself this exact question. Im so tired

[@luna-p]

Well, it's 770 licks. Just don't let it take you that many times lol

[@Bookooky]

Stop watching these, start getting hobbies, especially gym, and get a partner

[@dharmadharma3960]

I think it's ok to dig until you find the nuggets of truth that solidify it for you.

[@28menguild]

​@@dharmadharma3960you are right

[@andrewmeppen8068]

I'm DA and these videos help so much to see how and why I think and react the way I do. It really helps to make me more self aware. I don't always catch myself right away but noticing at all is so much better than not. The realization of how much emotional hurt it causes others makes me feel so...... selfish.

[@MadisonEstes]

It is selfish honestly. Get therapy and try to heal yourself before you date again and hurt someone else.

[@andrewmeppen8068]

@MadisonEstes I am.. it's going well! That is the right advice and I appreciate the input, thanks

[@CourtneyHolmes-q7p]

I see it as self protection. Most of us are doing the best we can at any given time. Once you know better and are aware, you can do better. Props to you for taking the steps to create a better life for yourself and others ❤

[@b-six-twelve]

This is the right mindset. Good for you for working on it. Wish my DA had. I told my therapist it was hard to let go because I could see the wounded child in him so easily. She said, “but can he see the wounded child in you?” I think the answer to that question is what separates the healing avoidants from the unhealed ones.

[@aditichandrasekar3279]

Perfect order ! Avoidant people are not vulnerable. Fundamentally, I would even question if it's possible to have a fullfilling emotional relationship with a person who is unwilling to be vulnerable.

[@AA-fz3lj]

It wasn’t safe for them to be vulnerable. Make them feel safe. Show them what happens when they are vulnerable.

[@aditichandrasekar3279]

@AA-fz3lj True. Good point. How would we know if someone can cross this barrier or not? Attachment style is quite a strong trait. It's a lot of work to become vulnerable, for any of us. How can we find out that the avoidant is willing to embrace the journey before spending more time and energy?

[@levijosephcreates]

@@aditichandrasekar3279 You seem to be falling into the trap of thinking any avoidant is in the wrong and that they need to adapt to fit your needs. A true partnership on both parts understands there's two folks involved with positive and negative issues. There is no knowing the outcome for any partner, tend to think communication is the key for a successful partnership. Avoidant folks can be vulnerable, although having said that I fail to understand how being vulnerable is remotely attractive, apart from for selfish reasoning, maybe am missing something???

[@Sum41FanNumberOne]

​@@aditichandrasekar3279 Most of the time, They won´t change. It´s all about ego, most people like that will dismiss people rather than fixing the relationship. Pride and ego is stronger than compassion and empathy. I would love to see my ex change but i doubt it. They are either too scared or just as i desribed and nowadays, modern era offers quick fixes and easy new relationships

[@norswil8763]

If you show them you sympathise and understand their needs they relax and feel safe. My FA(currently ex) is emotionally available, she doesn't bring her issues to me but she shows me love and is vulnerable because of that. It's all about voicing each others expectations, then there's no surprises and your avoident can relax.

[@bro7269]

I just dated what seemed to be a very nice lady for about 2 months. Instantly hit it off from the first date. Shared our past relationships issues, current struggles, future wants and fears, had fun doing common interest things, she made future dates to meet her kids etc. Sexual attraction was off the charts. She would say how much she missed me and that we needed to spend more time with each other. Within a week she went dark. No reason, no call, no text, nothing. She really seemed to have her act together. I really didn't take her for the ghosting type. It's crazy how some people act.

[@marinajones2309]

I was secure before I met my ex DA. His behaviour triggered me and made me anxious and I hate it. I wish I had known about attachment styles - I feel I would have managed the dynamic so much better and not allowed myself to be triggered. Thais - I respect that you say they avoid conflict. But often it is their behavior that causes the conflict. I hate conflict and try to avoid conflict, but my DA's behaviour triggered me and caused conflict. They need to be shown this to highlight this to them. Most people dont want conflict.

[@sheliasmith2884]

Right

[@walkertranger5746]

Yes!

[@silviaramirez-alzamora460]

Hi, but hows he trigguers u? Mine only avoid and ghosted me, we was not more dating but I sent him message how I felt and didnt want to finished la ke that and he ghosted me for 1 week, then he sent me a long text apologysing for his behavior and wishing meim better, explainning me how he felt about him self so weird, even he missed my smile.. I stayed more confused even

[@leveen1354]

The key is once you do gain a secure attachment style, you won’t tolerate DA behavior anymore, that’s the trick to never getting triggered again.

[@l.w.tomaso6277]

My DA, after 7 years of working on seeing he is actually DA, has finally started to see he adds and will even admit now to creating conflict. If it's a trigger for him he says his brain is automatically ready to redo any argument that is related to that trigger. The problem is he can't see it... yet... when it's happening. His brain has already deemed the person who brought that trigger up as the person starting the conflict. So if I'm joking around about something regarding a trigger from his past that I'm not aware of, he will flip on his defense and assume I'm arguing. He can't hear me or thinks I'm manipulating or "downplaying " my role in hurting him, if I try to explain it wasn't about him or related to an issue. His mind brings up those harsh memories and replaces me and my intentions. Since I've been backing off and not tolerating his hurtful behavior, I've noticed once he cools down he has been reaching out to me on his own. If I send him a message saying how much I empathize with him on how the issue happened to make him feel, he is really receptive to it and will admit to over reacting, he has apologized for accusing me and has invited a scheduled time and day to communicate about what happened. I'm sticking to this because otherwise, our live is amazing everyday. His fear of conflict is our only struggle. He is worth learning to be with. He has shown I'm worth being with to him for allowing me so much access to his vulnerability. I just hope I can keep this up and more trust is developed in our relationship.

[@iamaliveyoucantstopnow]

Avoidants are so complicated and actually really needy underneath. I find it exhausting watching videos about them- so I shall stop! 🛑 😂

[@aariharoserose]

no we are needy lol we have standards and busy life bruh

[@AmandaHugenkiss97]

You’re a bunch of toxic broken narcissists that only care about yourselves.

[@priscillarodrigues7599]

its been 5 days i havent spoken to him i dont think he has realized it he must be feeling relief cos now he doesnt have to give me too much and in the meantime i am losing interest and spending time with my friends, myself and my hobbies and sleeping early too im an fa im no longer going to chase or beg for him im no longer going to accept his breadcrumbs he had freindzoned me all of sudden

[@mandiverse]

how is it going now?

[@clarascully68]

This happened to me. I took him back when I was vulnerable. Just been ghosted again, helped him through a tough patch, he doesn’t reciprocate though. Gave him tons of space. They give you the “slow fade”…. Their childhood wounds aren’t our problem, I’ve got my own anc try to give out goodness in the world. Only way. Sorry this happened. ❤

[@eileendom5858]

Please more DA videos. Why do they take a criticism or argument so personal, but easily criticize you and speak to you as if you are a child? How come they get upset if you don’t want to be their friend after a breakup? Why can they keep a friendship, but not a relationship? Why do they rely on their kids for emotional support? Why don’t they see the double standards?

[@sheliasmith2884]

Exactly the DA I was with all his kids cut him off because he was emotionally unavailable to them growing up so sad.

[@maralinautube]

Girl, everything you mentioned, is my experience. The Holy Spirit showed me they rely heavily on their children to the point it can be borderline Emotional Incest is because their children can't reject them l8ke we can. They have the power & the ball is in their court. They can regulate & control the temperature of the relationship. The second time I broke up with my DA was because he kept talking about us having babies & not marriage. When in the beginning he was talking more about marriage. I told him I'm not about to go to yo family cookout & don't nobody know who I am wit a belly poked out. I said that type if behavior is when you 19 & 30 & don't know any better. I noticed he does more on his daughters than his son, especially his oldest. He post her all the time. Post pics of them at different spots. They even visited Chicago for Thanksgiving 2023. Now there is a huge Wedge in our relationship because he said once his daughter graduates high school, he can pursue a relationship with me. I told him that if your daughter is leaving, we still should meet so I can create a bond with her before she leaves. He made every excuse in the book against it. I said your daughter is not little. Besides as a senior she's thinking about boys & prom. Well she's in college now & it's 🦗🦗🦗 on our relationship because I'm in the comments typing this!😢

[@eileendom5858]

@@maralinautube wow thank you for explaining it and now I see. My ex is very close to his kids especially the girls and I realized there will always be something. They are all great kids, but he kept taking trips to Atlanta to get one daughter situated in an apartment and we had to move out of our house bc he also had to buy her a car. I know the next daughter is about to graduate college and wants to move out of the country. I knew it would be something else that would get all his attention. Oh and his ex wife is sometimes there for it as well with him. Nah, I had to go. This why my 3rd and last breakup.

[@maralinautube]

@eileendom5858 Yes, sis, you are so welcome! At this point, knowing what God said about OUR relationship, I have pleaded & petitioned my case to OUR Holy Father. The Holy Spirit can deal with ALL THESE UNCLEAN spirits they wrestle with. Marine Kingdom has Leviathan, which deals with PRIDE & STUBBORNNESS & Jezebel (aka Narcissism), do it's bidding. They have yet to COMPLETELY surrender themselves UNDER the AUTHORITY of Christ & that's why they are influenced by all these unclean spirits.

[@Juniperus_Godegara]

DAs don't criticize easily at all, you heard Thaiss, they don't handle conflicta. Also they cannot maintaine friendships either. DAs don't tend to stay friends after a breakup, there is nothing easier for a DA than to cut people out of their lives. I think you incorrectly associate the described behaviors with dismissive avoidant attachment stlye.

[@JacobCarlson-uq1my]

I like how your brain is so well educated about psychology and how you are able to share/give that knowledge to others In a way that is easily understood. I don't believe I feel that from everyone. Sometimes I try to learn from some & it gets confusing to me , so I'm simply trying to recognize and appreciate you ❤.

[@ThePersonalDevelopmentSchool]

❤

[@Kayla_Kizzle]

My ex created the conflict by cheating, triangulation, gas lighting and a pathetic attempt at blame shifting… a truly sick individual at the core.

[@LeeChrissy]

Sounds like a narcissist.

[@AmandaHugenkiss97]

Most avoidants are.

[@IsabelSmith31]

I love how the videos just get even more high quality and nuanced each day ❤

[@ThePersonalDevelopmentSchool]

Thank you for your comment! ❤

[@kimlarso]

But u need to have him watch it too😊

[@ariaxoxo23]

My DA and i broke up 3 months ago and this is a textbook example. At first i could see how relieved he was and he was reaching out sometimes talking to me like i am his friend having smalltalk. After about a month i got more distant and so did he. Now he started sending me memes and reels and i don't really know what's his intention because as soon as i react to it and we start talking a little he distances himself again. I feel sorry for him because of his attachment style. It must be hard when your feelings and your mind are in a constant conflict with eachother

[@blackwidow2679]

Thais has a older video on indirect contact and other signs you may see from a DA, titled, "Signs A Dismissive Avoidant Misses You (After A Breakup) | Dismissive Avoidant Attachment". She makes a statement in the video that comes to mind when the DA starts their pattern of indirect contact. Quote; "they miss you (the DA) but they aren't willing to do the work to fully get back together". Now I totally disregard the memes, songs and photos. If he wants to talk to me, he has to pick up the phone and call. Best wishes to you.

[@melissawitham6847]

SAME it’s wild. We’re at the getting more distant phase right now after friends small talk kind of pattern directly after the breakup. I stopped all contact 2 weeks ago

[@DriShti-d2l]

I broke up a week ago, and he talks to me like I'm his friend, would send me good morning and all I wonder of he'd come back. He told me yesterday that he doesn't have a problem with me, and that he has a problem with relationships.

[@clarascully68]

Make them not your problem anymore. ❤

[@DriShti-d2l]

@@clarascully68 what

[@BlakeMorrison-z4l]

I dated a DA 20 years ago. It was blissful for about 6 months, we even talked about getting married. But then the flaw finding and criticizing started. Around that time he even started collecting and filling up our house with stuff I didn’t want. It didn’t matter what I said. I ultimately left, married someone else a few years later. He never got married. I saw him recently and was shocked to find him angry with me. I tried to gently explain what had happened. But to no avail.

[@mmt2310]

I bet they took zero responsibility, too. It was all your fault, lol. I'm happy you were able to move on & find someone better ❤

[@BlakeMorrison-z4l]

@@mmt2310 Thank you ❤

[@terraneaux]

@@mmt2310 Avoidant types generally are better at taking responsibility than anxious types.

[@sadiqua7]

Can’t wait for the app! Finding Thais’a content and school Is literally like being given glasses and seeing clearly for the first time ever. The hardest part is losing having an ex you know is walking blind and will not try on the glasses you know will make them see as clearly as you and stop walking head first into a wall. Positive thing is I now have the clarity to no longer get in my own way and have a successful relationship with someone else willing to work to on things instead of walking away with no discussion. Currently in no contact for my own peace and am working on remembering the bad and not be reminiscent of the few good times. Bad far outweighs the good if I’m honest.

[@AliValentine143]

Android app is up.

[@ThePersonalDevelopmentSchool]

Wish you the best in your healing jounrey and so glad you're here with us ❤

[@cmac9782]

Dear Thais, you have helped me so very much!!! I have been in counseling since I was 18 when my father went into recovery for alcoholism. I am in my 60s now and have vigorously pursued healing. I scored all 3 unhealthy attachment styles when I first took your attachment test. With listening to all of your free material I now score a secure attachment❤️❤️❤️I am so grateful to you for making this all so clear to me. The fog cleared and I slowly became secure in me and all the broken, angry, needy fell away. THANK YOU for the peace and tranquility I now feel (words fail me here) sending you DEAR ONE so much love and gratitude ❤️❤️THANKING GOD HE SENT YOU and you saved me from constant hell. TY MUCH LOVE

[@ThePersonalDevelopmentSchool]

@@cmac9782 So happy to read this!! You deserve this and I wish you continued happiness in your journey! ❤❤❤

[@CALIPrincess808]

Definitely more on avoidant men. This is a huge issue. I had no idea there were terms and levels to this!

[@mindfullymystic8650]

I love my DA. This is all very true for our FA/DA dynamic

[@ThePersonalDevelopmentSchool]

Thank you for sharing ❤

[@sixfootse7en248]

I (40s) was just “dumped” by a DA (30s). She’s a coworker (stupid I know). We got to know each other for a bit, she showed high interest in me, so I gave her my number. We texted and talked at work all day everyday. We really started connecting and everything felt natural/right. She was talking about being together for Valentine’s Day (around 2 months away) going on vacations and taking my kids with us, going to concerts, etc. She told me that no man has ever treated her as well as I did. We had a wonderful official first date. Over 4 hours of talking, laughing, holding hands, kissing, etc. I was thinking that there was real future potential with us. Then the next day she goes cold, says she’s “not sure she can match my feelings” and doesn’t want to see me anymore. So now I have to see her a few times a week at work, thinking how she threw away something potentially special. From now on, I’m going to run away from women who have poor relationships with their fathers, because every woman I’ve met that is a DA has “daddy issues”. I’m not going to go through this again.

[@riyajacob2909]

Sorry for your experience.May you get healed with time.❤

[@alvahagerstrom2492]

It sounds like she is just not that into you 😕

[@sf808opalaman]

I agree with the female DA and daddy issue dynamic. MANY!!!! Not just a coincidence... (ADHD too)

[@1Darkwave1]

Try 4 years and married 2 of them with what I thought was my perfect match. Then... After we tired the knot.... Slowly but surely.... She started pulling away one drop at a time. This was my wife... And the last 4 to 6 months she shut down on me so hard that I couldn't even talk to her physically out of text her... Needless to say what are the most traumatizing things I've ever experienced... But if she felt that she needed to be that with me.... Didn't respect and love what I gave to her.... Then I left !!! Hardest thing I've ever did in my life.... But I'm free from all the worry the pain the non-intimacy... The shift blaming when all I wanted was to love this woman my wife. I tried everything.... But she devalued me she turned me into a beta male in her mind and I was gone 😑

[@Charles-w2v6e]

Update #2: She texted me again after 15 days of no contact. Said she “doesn’t know why she’s so hot/cold” but misses me, etc. just 3 days later, she’s already pulling back again and I didn’t hear from her at all yesterday. Oh well…. on the same day she broke no contact, I started talking to another woman that seems secure and might actually knows what she wants.

[@LeeChrissy]

Great video. My ex DA does this. We were friends for much longer than we dated so while we're back to being platonic friends, we still confide in each other and occasionally say I love you. I have such a soft spot for DA's and as a healing FA who was heartbroken over a DA, I still love and appreciate them.

[@ThePersonalDevelopmentSchool]

❤

[@ThePersonalDevelopmentSchool]

❤

[@Genevieve700]

I’m an AP in love with a DA. We’ve been dating a little over a year, friends for much longer. It’s an extremely hard road. We just had a great last ‘date’ where he actually was vulnerable for the first time around his last relationship which I found out was pretty bad for him (I don’t have any details as he didn’t share very much. The fact that he shared this at all was a significant breakthrough). Something tells me his last relationship was more serious & recent than I thought which is contributing to his extra cautious nature and being so guarded. But we take a few steps forward then I feel like a million steps back. The fact he only answers/acknowledges a few of my texts really hurts. I’ve scaled back significantly on my messages to him. He doesn’t like the phone so our only communication is in person and when we started dating we were seeing each other about once a week. Since this past September I’ve only seen him 3x. Granted we had a fallout and didn’t see him for 2 months; then he was out of the country on a family vacation for 2 1/2 months. Now I’ll be going out of town for the holidays so that makes another month. I told him when I return I’d like us to see each other once a week. I’ve tried to remain hopeful but I think this is a losing battle for me. I’m really heartbroken.

[@tulip5210]

[@MadisonEstes]

That sounds a bit unhealthy to me. Especially the I love you part. Sounds like neither of you have moved on. I hope you at least had a long separation before you tried to be friends again.

[@elyseweeks1454]

Thank you for giving the da's this attention and insightful videos. I often come back to your videos to cross check if I'm improving. I feel less alone here so thank you.

[@ThePersonalDevelopmentSchool]

Hope we are helping ❤ Thanks for being here

[@VikingThunderWulfgar]

Thank you for your videos and content. I am a social worker and started watching your videos to brush up on attachment style psych theory, but ended up staying and continuing to watch because I am an slightly anxious preoccupied individual currently in a relationship with a dissmissive avoidnat partner. It has been a huge and sometimes hard learning curve, but I believe we both love each other and want it to work. Your vidoes have been helpful breakdowns that have given me tools and language to approach my partner with meaningful conversation and I deeply appreciate it.

[@MadisonEstes]

Good luck!!!

[@leighd301]

Thais Gibson - just want you to know that the Avoidant Attached people are touting you in groups and on a Reddit as the single most person who understands Avoidant Attachment more than anyone else on the internet. You are the leader in educating others and Avoidant attachment styles on discovery and healing. Avoidants get a bad reputation sometimes, but they still want to be understood. I just wanted to let you know, thank you for your awesome work!! ❤😊👏

[@amystrickland4858]

I wish people would also talk much more about the Secure attachment style

[@Bookooky]

There's less to say, but if you search her channel she has many videos on secure styles

[@norswil8763]

Yes, there's not a lot to say because that is literally the nature of a secure type. All the insecure types have their nuances that must be navigated, secure not so much. But also don't forget that secure is like the neutral position too, people aren't JUST avoident or anxious, they lean from the centre one way or another.

[@AmandaHugenkiss97]

Why?

[@amystrickland4858]

@@AmandaHugenkiss97 the whole point is to get to secure and think like they do. Seems obvious to me

[@thatssojasmine.]

Good stuff can you please do a series of videos on the dynamics of married couples with these insecure attachment style

[@SummitMan165]

Very instructive episode

[@MeAnINFP]

They move on with their life and forget you 🤷🏻‍♀️ They don’t message you again

[@cappygurl]

I have dealt with a lot of DAs and that's not been my own experience. It may take a long time months, but they usually reach out. Maybe it's because I'm secure/FA and I create dynamics where they get addicted to me.

[@sheliasmith2884]

@cappygurl you are so right mine always reached out this time he asked me would o like him to smoke me a turkey. And we are not together.

[@ds37215]

​@@cappygurlsame, the two avoidants I had in my life always come back. I'm an FA, as well.

[@LeeChrissy]

Mine always reaches out.

[@melaninqueen6926]

They will but it will take a long time, if you reach out first it will take even longer. They need to think you don’t care anymore before they reach out

[@Mari-lv1rd]

After one month of no contact he called me to ask if he could come by..I said yes. He came over to tell me that HIS MOTHER was asking about me every day…he looked absolutely miserable , a handsome face that had not smiled in a long time. It broke my heart as much as the break up did. Was this an attempt to re connect?

[@LeeChrissy]

I'd say so. It's so hard for them to be vulnerable and outright say what they want to say. Maybe he did this hoping you would help him along and initiate a reconciliation? My ex DA has been a mess lately and saying things that are confusing as well. One of the things was reaching out to ask me to talk to his daughter about something. Her and I are fairly close, but it was an odd request. Then he reached out saying he loves me and how he's a mess over some stress in his life but never brought us up. Then he reached out again saying that his daughter was raving about a trip we took together a few weeks ago. From what I understand he's moving out of state in a few months so I can't imagine he's trying to get back together, so I have no clue what's happening. I used to be the one fighting for this but I won't do it anymore. They have to learn to be a little more direct without the help of us.

[@MadisonEstes]

Probably. I don't know if I'd get my hopes up unless he directly says so though. In the meantime I would think about your conditions to taking him back. If he's willing to get therapy or at least watch some videos about avoidant attachment and talk about your connection before you take him back. Think about it hard. When/if he asks to come back, you need to be clear about what you want. And remember to try to be compassionate when setting boundary by using a soft and non threatening tone. Practice it! Good luck!

[@caterinadelgalles8783]

I would say so. Where are u now?

[@pams6763]

It could be. However he may pull away again once he has reconnected. It seems like they just want to know you're available but start to pull away again once they know that you are available to talk to. It's like we're things to keep on the shelf and we get attention whenever they get the idea to pick us up.

[@JimMooney-yg6cd]

2nd questions on new dates for men is “Tell me about your family “ Then let them fill in the blanks about “Daddy issues “… That usually describes who they are. Don’t get emotionally attached and take the relationship for what is is…if it’s hot Sex then run with it but no emotion because you know what the relationship is…. If they get flaky, walk away…. It is Not your job to fix broken… Then go live your best life….

[@KM-ic3qn]

You’re a wonderful lady giving us knowledge, hope, and understanding! ❤

[@barbara6840]

If you're getting indirect reach outs, block! That is so low effort and emotional immaturity. Next.

[@MamaMerlin]

How about the stage where you don’t notice they’ve stopped talking to you

[@lionnonny]

That's the 'winner winner chicken dinner' stage 😊

[@Renee0381]

Wow…this is so spot on. I’m currently getting over a break up with someone that is DA and it took me this long to figure out the real issue. I realize that it would be really difficult for us to work even if we tried mostly because he does not believe in therapy unfortunately.

[@Britania-Valon]

I’m still yet to “regret” losing anyone. I can function perfectly with or without anyone and I’m ok. Pitty the ones who end up that way.

[@spadionkle1003]

Your content is consistently fire ❤❤❤

[@ThePersonalDevelopmentSchool]

Thank you! ❤

[@maryprice3217]

Your knowledge base of this is amazing and you break it down just like I see it happening with them. In & put, back & forth, yes no maybe so oh no no! Exhaustive for the other person. Thank you for sharing

[@Taylorsymonej12]

This was quite helpful. Thank you for your videos.

[@sharongralewski2429]

Anyone who has anything other then secure attachment shouldn't bother with a relationship until they healed because they put people through hell and mental torture your not the only one in the relationship and you must take accountability for your actions. Stop hurting people who have good intentions.

[@Arysia8]

True!

[@bruceboyer8187]

They did not read your comment.😅😅😅😅

[@joelokoromi1821]

IMHO, it's more pain that's not worth the effort to reconnect with a DA, i'm FA and I've had multiple experiences with them. I didn't even get to my dismissive side of things naturally but was forced into it as a means of protection from the inconsistency and confusion. Totally not worth the effort at all.

[@bombimpressionsministries]

Walking on egg shells hoping you get it right for them or you'll be hurt and off to heal and get over a heartbreak.. whew that's why Jesus is the way, I'm letting God choose my relationship because this is not healthy for anyone.

[@joelokoromi1821]

​@@bombimpressionsministries Relax, God is not a magician, He doesn't say this right here is your partner. what if the other partner doesn't like you then or doesn't agree with that "leading spirit". Remember you can forgo the leading of the Holy Spirit, so it makes sense that God isn't responsible for our choices, so why make it responsible? Just study to show yourself approved and know peace.

[@roshalllambert]

I love the analogy of money in bank account! and the stages you described here!

[@ThePersonalDevelopmentSchool]

❤

[@kimberknutson831]

Brilliant and TRUE in every single way. Nailed it. Thank you. : )

[@SCnative64]

FA here. I'm in counseling now to try and stop this ridiculous, hurtful pattern of pushing away people I love. I pushed her away, and she even moved away but we were still talking. Only when she slammed the door shut and went No Contact did the real pain start. And I'm sorry that I put her through this. I'm honoring her no contact but it's hard! Some days I am ok. Some days I feel suicidal level despair. I can't send her the letters or a text. I'm sure would make things worse for me, or me find out something I'm not emotionally capable of accepting right now (like if she's already moved on with someone else). This is hell, and I kind of wish I'd just go to sleep one night soon and just not wake up. I'm older so this may be kinda it for me.

[@fy9526]

DA dont mind if you're in no contact with them

[@Nika-je6zd]

Haaa. Best comment - and so true!

[@Greeneyes77773]

All I can do is hope and pray he sees this and understands 🙏

[@Bookooky]

get out of limerance!!

[@InnerShiftAffirmations]

I really liked this video! Very informative. Thank you ❤

[@showboat92]

Great content and just recently did the 7 day trial and it's totally worth it! I didn't know these different types of attachment styles before and it great to know this now and gives a better perspective on how to deal with and communicate with the various attachment styles.

[@carlaboyd7407]

I find you to be such a valuable resource but please slow down… your great contributions to these subjects are appreciated…

[@blendathegoodwitch]

You can slow down the video so it’s easier to listen to it. 😊

[@pureheartsinlove6177]

Ended it with DA. He brought all my stuff to my house. Spoke with my family after 2 weeks of not talking to me. Not answering texts. Now as he drops my stuff off, he's crying and saying he doesn't understand. It was over because he stopped talking to me and got angry everything we had a conflict or if I brought something up.

[@christibellamy7033]

Ty well needed and very informative...

[@MD-gk2un]

He told me once "love is a choice" and that blew my mind...so I responded to him is he just choosing not to love me? Then he finally broke down into it's about attraction and he's not attracted to me. He actually asked me to kiss him then sat like a wine tasting trying to figure out if he liked it....never had any physical relationship after that...4 years he kept dating me calling it friendship but it was actually a situationship

[@IsabelSmith31]

This reminds me of John gottmans sound house theory & the concept of emotional bank account. I wonder how this would play put foe the AP/DA DYNAMIC

[@dougwardle1504]

I got tired, in an LDR, of being left in the dark about 99% of her life. 1 message in 2 1/2 weeks. Told me she had surgery. No idea why. No details. I sent a goodbye msg. The reply was tearful emojis. That's it.

[@missfatcat]

Thank you! ✨💖✨💖✨

[@xxmaybenot]

I identify so much with DA attachment style, I'll spend my entire life trying to avoid feelings or pretend that I don't feel them with fear of looking stupid or week, if its romantic feelings I'll do the same but with fear of rejection or heartbreak. When someone works hard enough to break my walls, when IN a relationship I feel like I turn into anxious attachment style, like I need affirmation of this person feelings about me all the time, because in my mind works like "why would anyone love me? I'm boring and have nothing to offer" so I'm always doubting the other person. Now that I know what happens when I get in a relationship, ive become even more dismissive avoidant than ever, because I don't ever want to feel like that again, and I know I'll put anyone through hell even if it's not my intention.

[@xxmaybenot]

Also, if someone stops talking to me and doesn't make the initiative to reconnect I'll never be the person who goes after anyone. After a breakup I just stop talking to that person and if necessary I'll block them everywhere possible.

[@MadisonEstes]

Get therapy with someone familiar with your attachment style. It will be the best thing you've ever done. If it doesn't totally work, see multiple therapists. And don't give up! Good luck!

[@christinahurley1155]

@@xxmaybenotwhat about if you were the one to abruptly break up with your partner? would you have reached out after some time?

[@F3ND1MUS]

Hey I am out here walking listening to these videos you're like thanks for walking okay I was like hey I am walking thank you😂

[@ErikAdalbertvanNagel]

Nothing happens. No matter if it's a friendship or relationship, they don't put any efforts in you.

[@sushmitasutradhar4880]

👏🏼 explained well

[@Kay-uk9us]

I am an FA and my DA has been the most vulnerable than anyone else. I had to let him go because I knew I wasn't as safe of a space for him as I should have been and I was projecting so many of my own unhealed issues on him. I wanted him to change without actually working on myself. That's unfair and cruel to them and ourselves. Before we seek anything from DAs or anyone else for that matter, we have to make sure we ourselves are healed enough to be a healing space for them as well. If i am not a safe space for someone, why is it okay for me to expect them to be mine? It isn't. Wishing healing and power to everyone out here ❤

[@MadisonEstes]

No one is perfect. No one will ever be a perfectly safe space. That's what therapy is for, and even then if you get the wrong therapist it can be bad. You did the best you could. Don't blame yourself too much. Maybe someday it will work out between you two. Good luck!

[@elliebwe12234]

This is a really helpful video. After an argument or awkward interaction… I find my partner will often send me a meme or funny reel to break the ice…

[@LeeChrissy]

Haha I think that's typical for a DA. ❤

[@lrose3273]

Mine does the same thing. Always sending memes instead of resolving what happened.

[@krissyhall2838]

Same videos

[@panaddasakorncharoen7215]

@@LeeChrissymine did the same!

[@user-bd9uo8dw3j]

I am a secure person and dated someone with DA. Never again. Not for me. 😊

[@usersss100]

I was a secure. After dating a DA, I became an anxious. Thankfully my other relationships are still secure.

[@socalfriend6985]

Too much work, and too many times being ghosted. And when he finally comes around its my fault. What? This makes me feel so anxious and i really dont like that feeling. Im sure i can meet another man that has interest in me like i have with him. Please Lord! 🌴

[@jessicatrinity1075]

As an FA trying with a DA I find mostly that when they take space I end up just doing no contact as a protest behaviour and I say things like "if I never hear from them again at least I'll know where I stand." So there's almost a sense of relief as an FA when they do this too, but in an unhealthy way.

[@pugninja7037]

I find tho the DA are distant, i also feel they are good at mirroring you . Id slow down texts, they slow down, its hard.. so no thanks, i hated the mot knowing where i stood..

[@msscorpio14]

Why do they seek relationships? I don't understand it

[@Vollbio3]

I want someone who can say, that they want me and I wish you people can have the same.

[@robertwells7861]

Amazing!

[@ew1258]

Question. When a DA shut down and withdraws, do they usually shut down and withdraw from everyone? Or is it just towards the person they were feeling vulnerable or in conflict with? Does it depend on the situation? And is there a way to tell?

[@teagensnook2944]

That’s a question I want to know

[@zandersorc]

From my experience, its the specific person. Almost like a punishment. After the conflict has eased, you'll find that they have quite easily starting spending lots of time with their friends even during times where the DA is normally too busy. The DA I was seeing was great at socializing while still holding back because when you're only expectation is to hang out with friends, there's rarely any pressure to be vulnerable.

[@LeeChrissy]

My ex DA used to shut down from everyone.

[@ew1258]

I’ve seen it happen both ways from the same DA. I would really love to know more about this.

[@axana596]

Usually just the person, because they fear intimacy. Not everyone is "too close" for them, just the one person.

[@simonthewatchguy6073]

My DA story goes like this; met in work. I am in the UK, she was in the USA (company has offices in both locations). We met up, went to Amsterdam, went on a cruise, we had the time of our lives (she said it was the best relationship she has ever been in). I got engaged to her after just 6 months, that's how incredible it all was. Then I found out she'd tried to date a guy from our workplace - which made me feel like she just wanted to date anyone. Then I found out her last relationship was with a guy in Philippines, and then a guy in Canada. Suddenly, I started to feel like I was part of some pattern. I had no idea what the pattern was. Then she began saying I had faults, and I was wrong. She'd argue with me almost constantly. Anything I said was (in her eyes) criticism. This cycle continued. Happy, sad, angry etc She'd fly over to be with me for a few weeks at a time and get angry with me and want to split up. I couldn't take it anymore so I split up with her. Little did I know, splitting up with a DA triggers that feeling of abandonment. We didn't talk for 5 months. She flew back to see me again 5 months later and she split up with me 3 times in 24 hours!!!! It was exhausting and mentally draining. Then I found out she had been screen-shotting my families messages to her (nice messages of course) and her and her sister had been disrespecting my family. I shouted and screamed at her at the top of my lungs. She said she wants nothing more to do with me and blocked me on everything. I truly did love her and the first few months were absolutely INCREDIBLE. But she self-sabotaged the entire relationship. She made fights happen out of nowhere and when I got mad, she's say how it was all my fault and that I didn't compromise or give in to her needs. Not once did she care about my needs or see things from my perspective.

[@stevensantora2976]

Thank you so much.

[@ThePersonalDevelopmentSchool]

❤

[@bruceboyer8187]

They see any suggestion that does not agree with their ignore their partners mentality as conflict. The higher the aiggsetion increase their perceived cost to levels that they cannot handle pay... Its their way self focused and if you question it the answer is no. Keep asking showing and they are gone.

[@derwoodhamburger]

Is it possible to go from anxious to avoidant? I was anxious a few years ago but I got burned a few times for being too clingy or needy. Learning this only hurt me alot and I still feel the pain most days I find myself being avoidant now because I'm happy alone and do not want to be hurt again

[@ASOULSurvivor-Cynthia]

Yes. Each trauma changes someone....but each trauma has a lesson. It's hard to trust again.... but by setting boundaries you can weed out the wrong people...big hugs.

[@tahaafzal5111]

I am in the regretting phase, its been nearly 4 weeks since we last had an argument, she's FA btw

[@melaninqueen6926]

Tell her how you feel, you need to open up and she will take you back. Explain your attachment style to her

[@tahaafzal5111]

@@melaninqueen6926 she knows it, and she knows I'm not comfortable being vulnerable like her, but I guess I need to vulnerable around her, that's what thais said today in her video

[@christinahurley1155]

Did you ever reach back out to apologize or reconcile?

[@tahaafzal5111]

@@christinahurley1155 we met and ended things

[@elouaililili]

The more i watch there videos the more profound feeling of sadness, empathy and grief i have. I wish to find a magic solution in the next video although i know there probably really isnt any,yet i cant stop myself. Fuck my freakin saviour complex. I hate the feelin of helplessness it generates when you just cant help.

[@juliebee61]

explain being vulnerable in the sense of just regular connections or relationships, plz

[@Saar114]

I wonder if im AP or FA. Recently ive realized i only ended up in my past relationships because they chased me. My last ex left me and after 4 years i havent dated anyone anymore because im scared of it ending again. Im anxious with ppl who act avoidant but if someone acts anxious towards me i find it super off putting and i distance myself. I do like unatainable persons and i also like to fantasize about the perfect relationship with 'the one'. But i also feel if i would really 100% be present and open with someone i would feel engulfed and trapped. Idk if i would ever find the one i start getting more doubts.

[@teamneverlost]

I have started dating a girl who is younger than me that I have come to realise has a DA attachment style. She appeared really into me at first, then hit me with a heap of insecurities and trust issues, accused me of seeing someone else, lying to her about it and questioning my integrity in many ways. She also has daddy issues and appears to reinforce the dynamic between us especially when things are intimate. I have tried to be understanding, kind, considerate and give her my time when she wants. Suffering now ongoing hot/cold behaviour, pushing me away regularly and starting fights about me having female friends that she accuses me of sleeping with. I really like this girl but find it hard to weather the ongoing storm. Don't know how to get through to her that I'm authentic and mean her no harm. She has been lied to and let down in the past and I think this is why she won't let her guard down and trust anyone.

[@norswil8763]

She kind of sounds more like an anxious type, jealousy and insecurity like that, and avoident would put space between you and probably break up all of a sudden. Sounds like she has some trauma, she needs therapy it'd help a lot.

[@danilaroche1156]

Why be intimate with someone who is not your wife? God doesn't want that. For you to be hurt.

[@Sakura-co1oe]

I just discovered that my ex is an avoidant and I really want to tell him for his own good. He doesn't know he is. He broke up with me and it's been a few weeks, but we talked it out and now he said he wants to be alone and mentioned wanting to go to the psychologist, so I want to give them this information (that might be wrong but I think my hunch isn't wrong) so that he can heal better. I decided to go no contact though. It's so frustrating 😭

[@MadisonEstes]

Hey, he is seeing a psychologist (hopefully) and that is more than more DAs do. Hopefully the psychologist will figure this out. I'd at least wait until he reaches out again, ask about his therapy and then ask him (as casually as you can) if he's heard of avoidant attachment? Then send the video is he seems okay with it. Good luck!

[@gregorystinette8271]

Whenever I take a " deeper dive," it's usually in the Caribbean while on vacation.

[@lionnonny]

🥁

[@jazmind9378]

Thank u. For walking me through lol. Yes.

[@genie992]

How to have the conversation with a DA who is completely unable to discuss our situation AT ALL! Still drops in. Still sends texts to show me his grandkids! Leaves little gifts!!! But talk is ONLY about what he has been doing. It’s as though there is a total ‘brain fog’ around the enormity of my pain and anguish. Yes, he has witnessed it as I tried to get him to comment recently. Was so hard for him and crippling for me! Would be so interested in your thoughts Thais. I’m enjoying the PDS course I’m doing. Thank you.

[@dancingnuance536]

I can relate to this so much. I’d say get out and protect your heart. Is it really worth having a one-sided relationship where you are always the one giving and putting in unreciproked love and time? I had a man with two young kids in my love whom I all loved dearly. But once all seemed to be well and better or just a harder patch he would break up or pull away. And keep sending me photos of the kids. Diminishing me and my feelings “i’m not setting you aside i’m just seeing the bigger picture. It’s not an issure right of now. Let it rest.” And with it he ment hurting my feelings and not wanting to talk it over. And then just continue on like nothing happend. Truely- they know damn well what they did and what they did not do. Save the scared love for someone who can give you the same- with love

[@MadisonEstes]

I would set a boundary. Tell him if he wants to try a relationship with you, you will keep talking but if not, he needs to leave until he's ready for that. Otherwise this is likely all you will ever get. Good luck.

[@livingwithliv6756]

So what happens if they come back and they agree to talk but end up stonewalling again when trying to discuss feelings and moving forward?

[@jamalcole1985]

11:22 😂 "thank you so much for walking "

[@Immortal22324]

What happens is that they find someone else they make a mistake then try to come back. Then they go and fu k that up too. Then go away for good. But leave feeling empty.

[@Ivy89261]

Sounds like what my ex is doing right now...he left and was one week later with another women he knew. I hear that they see each other like only once a month and it is completely differend then when we came togehter. I was basicaly invited in the family on week 1. Guess they arent happy but i dont care anymore...9 months i was crying for him. Now i need respect myself and move on

[@EMBEEMusic23]

The arch is deep.

[@bigillinois12]

I told him I preferred if we talked every other day and he didn’t disagree so I assumed he was going to text me. He didn’t text me for 2+ days and I said absolutely NOT and told him I needed some space from him. 🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️ it’s so hard because I didn’t technically ask him to text me every other day, I just said that I prefer it and he didn’t show up to meet those standards. It’s hard to not feel triggered by DAs sometimes. He’s really sweet in other areas of life, he’s really big on acts of service to help me out and he gets me little gifts. He’s not a bad person but he triggers my anxious side

[@AnI-if8fp]

they hate expectations. letting him know you prefer=expect to text every other day will make him NOT text you then...gotta live with it or leave it. sorry to say.

[@MeAnINFP]

@@AnI-if8fpYeah, that’s impossible to live with.

[@rosestewart1606]

I sent mine a message saying we should talk...I was ready for a truce. He responded immediately that he had time that night. That was 5 weeks ago. I'm done. Completely done. We're both FA and his avoidant side is too much for me. He doesn't know that he is...I sincerely hope he figures it out some day.

[@LeeChrissy]

If you want to talk every other day, how come you're not initiating it?

[@ziggypip2938]

Get out now. It’ll go on forever

[@1224polo]

Deep conversation with the avoidant???? That's a good joke 😂😂😂

[@ryk7296]

The DA outed me in the most pathetic manner. I am a closeted guy, only a few people know. Few months back my narcissist mother called the cops on me, saying I was going to kill her and I am on drugs. I called the DA as he's a lawyer. After I bailed out, I was thankful he helped me. Later on he went to my friends told everyone I beat my mother and told them every little secret about my family dynamics. Even though he knew everything, he made it seem like I was the bad guy and a drug abuser. He exposed my sexuality too as I was dating him back then. Later on when I confronted him about how he could have done that, there was no remorse and instead told me to f**k off. This was the guy I was chasing like a dog and now he's married to a woman. I hope you people move on with your lives and stop chasing these a holes. They will shred you to pieces and act like nothings happened.

[@mishacwill]

Narcissist 101

[@danilaroche1156]

Yes. I was in a relationship with one and he turned into an a hole demon.

[@williewonka6694]

When you stop talking to a DA, they find true happiness.

[@TrainTowelie]

Is it maybe, when they block you, that they want a reaction out of you to reconnect?

[@jeannepeacock8598]

Iduring my early dating years and I couldn’t figure out why there were real jerks out there. I remember my dad saying women always fall for the riverboat gambler. It made since and I learned quickly. Why invest energy in negative crap. Just learn and run😉

[@lilysart2458]

Can you slow down when you talk? It's hard to retain all the info because it's presented so quickly.

[@jazmind9378]

yes the app!

[@merzhoykin]

for all the guys out there; just think what would happen to the family courts if the majority of us had avoidant dismissive personalities.

[@fantohm1065]

So how can we point to our DA partner the fact that we need to discuss and improve communication to break those patterns and grow together without making them stonewalling and go distant again?

[@usersss100]

Reframe the sentences when communicating with them. you cant talk straight off your mind, need to spend time thinking how to phrase it nicely so the DA doesn't feel offended. You can this effort a compromise at your own expense...

[@ericaashforth2768]

Is it possible to have a mix of two attachment styles? Also, where can I find information about relationships where both people are dismissive avoidant?

[@elizabethanderson9437]

SLOW DOWN!