Avoidant attachment style is one of the four types of attachment styles based on attachment theory.
People with avoidant personality disorder (AVPD) and/or avoidant attachment style are remarkably self-sufficient, self-motivated, and oftentimes uneasy with intimacy.
They keep everyone an arm's distance away by the way they carefully construct their lives.
Avoidants become experts at avoiding or escaping situations where they could feel vulnerable.
In other words, they avoid potential heart-break or rejection of partners by simply avoiding relationships altogether.
Attachment theory proposes that infants have a built-in survival-based need to bond with their parents or a primary caregiver.
This bond or attachment provides a sense of security to the infant.
However, not all parents or caregivers provide consistent, reliable care, and the child soon learns that they cannot rely on anyone but themselves.
If you’re having a challenging time with relationship issues, consider talking with a licensed therapist who specializes in avoidant personality disorder and/or therapists with expertise in attachment-based issues.
Wondering what avoidants are like in relationships? Here's how avoidants behave and strategies to cope better.
Ultimately, people with avoidant attachment style are as capable of experiencing healthy and fulfilling relationships as anyone else.
Most importantly, they need to understand the challenges they face and the tools they need to handle them.
Take our 3-Minute Attachment Style Quiz to find out your personal attachment style, and you'll get a free customized report.
Knowing your attachment style is helpful to developing a better understanding of your interactions and behavior in relationships. Results are completely confidential.