Someone with a fearful-avoidant attachment style often lacks intimacy or commitment in a relationship. They often end up in casual sexual relationships or "situationships" because they're afraid of getting closer to someone.
Avoidants make up approximately 25 percent of the population, so the chances of finding and dating one is high. If both partners have the determination to work together to become more secure, it can be an extremely enriching, loving relationship—though it will take a little bit more work upfront.
Those with fearful-avoidant attachments want love from others. They may even crave that affection. But, at the same time, they are reluctant to have close or intimate relationships. This is a unique combination of anxiously craving affection and avoiding it at any cost.
Anxious-avoidant relationships can work, but sometimes couples are simply incompatible. Mismatched needs and values may not be deal breakers on their own, but they can be if you add attachment fears into the mix.
Dating a fearful avoidant can be challenging as they have a tendency to push people away when they feel overwhelmed by intimacy. They may struggle with being vulnerable or expressing their emotions, which can make it difficult for their partner to understand their needs and feelings.
Do People With Fearful-Avoidant Styles Get Attached? People with this attachment style may experience negative emotions and a strong fear surrounding intimacy and closeness. This can make it difficult for them to become attached to a romantic partner, particularly if that person also has the same attachment style.
Because people with an avoidant attachment style fear not being lovable or good enough, feeling criticized or judged by loved ones can be particularly painful. Especially when it comes to things that they are not so comfortable with, such as their emotions and feelings.
A fearful-avoidant will assume the pieces of the puzzle they arent provided and create their own story. Lying, stealing, cheating, and obvious large-scale issues are big triggers.
A fearful-avoidant individual often benefits from the securely attached person's nonreactive, stable energy. At the same time, it's important for those with a secure attachment style to avoid taking the role of "rescuing" or "fixing" a partner who is not securely attached.
Fearful avoidants often “deactivate” their attachment systems due to repeated rejections by others9. When they are in distress, they deactivate their attachment behavior. Consequently, the more upset their romantic partner is, the less likely a fearful-avoidant adult is to offer comfort and support10.
It is in this peak moment of their recovery process that the fearful-avoidant may start reaching out. At this point, their emotions are heightened, and they often become unable to decide what they want: do they want to get back together, or do they want to stay broken up?
In short, yes, avoidants can feel guilt but it's often warped and used in ways that are unhealthy.
Studies have found that avoidant attachers are less likely to date or seek relationships. In other words, they are more prone to having smaller social circles and, thus, may stay single for longer periods of time. Avoidant attachers are thus more susceptible to social loneliness and isolation.
People with fearful avoidant attachment tend to be very critical of themselves and rarely feel like they fit in anywhere. In fearful avoidant attachment relationships, that often translates to being both hot and cold, leaving your partner confused. You're often accused of being “too intense” or “too emotional”.
Because people with fearful-avoidant attachment styles generally avoid becoming intimate or vulnerable with others, they prefer to have casual sex — no strings attached. They break off relationships without apparent reason.
Fearful-Avoidant, aka Disorganized Attachment
The fearful-avoidant attachment style is the rarest, and "develops when the child's caregivers — the only source of safety — become a source of fear," according to the Attachment Project, an attachment style education site.
In a poignant new study in the journal Emotion, Washington University psychologist Heike Winterheld found that the closer an avoidant person felt to their partner, the more they withheld their emotional troubles from them, called “protective buffering.” In surveying hundreds of people with different levels of avoidance ...
What really happens is they doubt their feelings and go back and forth from believing them. Depending on what side of the breakup you're on, you have probably seen this hot and cold behavior. Fearful avoidants desire a deep connection, but once it is lost, the barrier to regaining trust can be a mountain to climb.
And it's true—many people lead happy, successful lives as avoidant or anxious types. Some even have successful long-term relationships as an anxious or avoidant.
Communicating with empathy, using “I” statements, and avoiding blaming and criticism are some of the ways to help avoidant partners feel safe enough to express their thoughts and feelings, as well as change their behaviors in time. “The most important thing in communication is to hear what isn't being said.”
Many avoidants suffer from low self-confidence or damaged self-esteem. If they think you're out of their league, they'll start to distance themselves. Make them feel good and desired by complimenting their intelligence, good looks, or the way they make you feel. If you make them feel wanted, they'll want you!