On Attachment

#197: What Avoidant People Need to Thrive in a Relationship


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In today’s episode, we’re exploring what avoidant attached people actually need to feel safe and secure in a relationship — and how partners can support that without self-abandoning.

Avoidant attachment is often misunderstood — labelled as cold, distant, or commitment-phobic. But when we look beneath those surface-level behaviours, what we often find is a deep need for space, safety, and self-reliance.

We’ll cover:

  • Why space needs to be respected, not punished
  • The importance of having a partner who can self-regulate rather than emotionally offload
  • How clear, direct, and honest communication builds safety
  • The value of each partner having a full, meaningful life outside the relationship
  • Why pacing matters — and how moving too fast can trigger shutdown
  • Balancing lightness and heaviness 

Whether you’re avoidant yourself or in a relationship with someone who is, this episode will help you better understand the conditions that allow these relationships to thrive.

Highlighted Links

  • Free Break-Up Training: The 3 Shifts That Help Anxiously Attached People Heal After a Break-up
  • How to Heal Anxious Attachment and (Finally) Feel Secure in Life & Love

Additional Resources

  • Download the FREE Anxious Attachment Starter Kit here
  • Join my email list 💌
  • Explore my library of free guides, classes & meditations
  • Visit my website
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On AttachmentBy Stephanie Rigg

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