avatarAnnie Wegner

Summary

The article discusses the dynamics of relationships involving avoidant-dismissive partners and offers strategies for these individuals to improve their behavior and attachment style.

Abstract

The article titled "Avoidant Dismissive Partners Are Lying to Themselves" delves into the complexities of relationships where one partner exhibits an avoidant-dismissive attachment style. It explains how these partners tend to downplay the importance of the relationship but become needy during times of personal crisis. The piece emphasizes that such behavior is unfair to their partners, who often have an avoidant-fearful attachment style and may feel anxious about the relationship's stability. The author, Annie Wegner, provides advice to avoidant-dismissive partners on how to love without expectation, deal with childhood traumas that may influence current behavior, and confront the reality of their actions without pretense. The article encourages self-reflection and personal growth to foster healthier relationships and reduce codependency.

Opinions

  • The author suggests that avoidant-dismissive partners should learn to love without expectation and avoid manipulative behavior, such as love bombing after conflicts.
  • The article implies that avoidant-dismissive individuals often rely on their partners in times of need, despite downplaying the relationship's significance, which can lead to a cycle of dependency and anxiety for the avoidant-fearful partner.
  • It is suggested that facing childhood experiences is crucial for understanding and changing present-day behaviors that stem from survival instincts developed during childhood.
  • The author posits that distancing oneself from a partner after a breakup can be beneficial for avoidant-dismissive individuals, as it allows them to deal with the consequences of their actions and seek help through therapy or support groups.
  • The article promotes the idea that personal growth and self-sufficiency can reduce the need for a partner to act as a savior, leading to healthier and more balanced relationships.

Avoidant Dismissive Partners Are Lying to Themselves

We lie to ourselves, but we are clingy partners.

Photo by Mihai Neiconi on Unsplash | Edited with Designify

I often thought of clinginess as a visible attachment.

  • Couples who go everywhere together.
  • Couples who take showers together.
  • Couples who have to feed each other food.

I missed so many cutesy moments because I did not want anyone to think of me as clingy.

Clinging to your partner is more subtle.

It starts with your attachment style. Avoidant-dismissive partners need avoidant-fearful partners.

As an avoidant-dismissive partner, you downplay the relationship’s importance in your life. Yet when you need money or someone to cover for you, you become desperate for your partner’s help.

Your lover, the avoidant-fearful, fears your rejection. They get anxious when you downplay the relationship’s significance. Then, jump at the opportunity to help you because they need the relationship to work. This crush won’t leave until you break up with them or their self-esteem improves.

The situations avoidant-dismissive partners put their crush through are not fair. Thus, articles give tips to help the avoidant-fearful person.

Today, I’ll focus on you, the avoidant-dismissive partner.

1. From affection to a bigger person.

Learn to love without expectation.

Take a step back to figure out why you love bomb your partner after a fight. Or when you need a favor. Could you find another way to apologize without manipulation and empty promises?

Learn to help yourself out of a bind. Better yet, stop. Think about your action before listening to your emotions.

  • Have a cut-off point for alcohol.
  • Change your views of gender roles in the home.
  • Think before you act.
  • Avoid drinking and walk away to cool off.

Change how you respond to a crisis. So, you can grow to need the relationship in different ways.

Photo by Elia Pellegrini on Unsplash

2. Face your childhood, not present-day behavior.

Treat the cause of your impulse actions.

Growing up, I would house hop during the summer. I would stay somewhere new when I didn’t want to change my behavior. Simple. That was my “survival instinct” when I didn’t want to apologize.

I ran. What did you do as a child to make the best of your circumstances?

Did you use your charms to make people forget your “bad” behavior? You could be doing it now. It’s difficult to face your childhood. You were a child; you needed help to survive.

But you have grown. You are old enough to help yourself. Reflect to understand why you still feel helpless.

It can help reduce your codependency need to get saved by your partner. For example, you might stop your partner from lying and face the consequences of your actions.

3. Stop pretending. Test the theory.

A relationship ending is challenging for everyone.

Breakups are (especially) difficult for people who deny being clingy.

Not repeating the cycle means learning to deal with the consequences of your actions. Distancing yourself from your partner helps you face repercussions.

It also gives you time to visit therapy, a support group, or have discussions with an old friend who knows you well.

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© Article Written by Annie Wegner 2022-Present

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Codependency
Love
This Happened To Me
Relationships
Dating
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