A person with a fearful-avoidant attachment pattern is likely to have fears both about their partner coming toward them and about their partner pulling away from them. When things get too close, they're likely to retract, but when they sense their partner is drifting away, they may become very clingy and insecure.
What do you do when fearful avoidant pushes you away?
If you're being pushed away
- Ask how you can support them. Maybe they need a little more communication, or a little more physical reassurance (like a kiss, embrace, or casual touch) to feel more secure with you. ...
- Avoid over-reassurance. ...
- Cultivate patience.
What does a fearful avoidant want?
People who develop a fearful avoidant attachment style often desire closeness. They seek intimacy from partners. However, they may be unable to achieve the deep connection they long for. That's because their attachment experiences have taught them to be fearful of intimacy.
