Overview
This summary explains why individuals with avoidant attachment styles often appear selfish in relationships, focusing on the underlying psychological causes of their behavior.
Origins of Avoidant Attachment
- Avoidant attachment develops in response to parent figures who were emotionally unresponsive or inattentive during childhood.
- Distant behavior and hyper-independence become coping mechanisms for emotional safety.
Relationship Behavior
- Avoidantly attached individuals struggle with vulnerability and tend to avoid conflict in relationships.
- They often feel overwhelmed by others' needs, leading them to withdraw from trying to meet those needs.
- Their instinct is to prioritize their own goals and well-being over their partner's needs.
Perception and Root Cause
- This self-focused behavior is frequently perceived as selfishness by others.
- The underlying cause is a deep-seated fear and inability to recognize or respond to the needs of others, rooted in their early life experiences.