Attachment styles develop early in life and affect how we approach intimacy and connection. How secure we felt as children with our caregivers often predicts how we’ll handle relationships as adults.
One of these attachment styles is known as avoidant attachment. People with this style want relationships but fear intimacy and dependence. It’s a tricky push-pull scenario.
To cope, those with avoidant attachment often use deactivating strategies. These are behaviors they use to keep emotional distance and protect themselves from what they perceive as threats to their independence.
If you’re trying to understand someone with avoidant attachment, or if you recognize these patterns in yourself, it’s helpful to learn about these deactivating strategies.
This article will provide a comprehensive overview of common avoidant attachment deactivating strategies. Understanding these behaviors can be the first step toward developing healthier relationship patterns.