anxious-avoidant attachment

Anxious-avoidant attachment is a pattern in relationships where individuals desire closeness but also feel uncomfortable with intimacy. They often worry about rejection or abandonment, leading to clingy behaviors, yet simultaneously avoid emotional closeness to protect themselves. This creates a cycle of craving connection but pushing others away, resulting in difficulty trusting partners and feeling secure. It often develops from early experiences with caregivers who were inconsistent—sometimes responsive, sometimes distant—leaving the person unsure when their needs will be met. This attachment style can challenge forming and maintaining healthy, trusting relationships.