Although I found many things intriguing this semester in psychology, the attachment theory and three styles of attachment appealed to me the most, and I know I'll refer to them in my relationships over the next few years. In lecture, we learned that people generally embody one of three attachment styles:
Secure-These people seek out comfort when distressed and they trust that others will be there to love and help them.
Avoidant- Avoidant personalities detach from others and often reject comfort when distressed. They tend to be what a large part of the population defines as "strong."
Anxious-Ambivalent-This personality type has a fear of abandonment, and they usually require a lot of attention. There is a fear that their needs will not be met.
The secure attachment pattern is most prevalent in society. However, I know many people with the two latter attachment styles. For me, I know I often become avoidant when forming new friendships. It's a defense mechanism for me; if I don't let myself trust someone, I'm preventing future hurt if the friendship ends badly. But with my family I am more secure, as I have never been burned by them.
Although I don't fit into the anxious-ambivalent attachment style, I know people who do fit into this. I have a close friend who became this way after going through a rough breakup. She doesn't have the anxious-ambivalent attachment style in our friendship, but with guys she doesn't know how to let them "chase" after her.
What attachment style are you, and why do you think you are this way?
Im the same way when it comes to meeting new people or forming friendships. it is a defense mechanism for sure. As far as your question, "what attachment style am I"? well I am for sure Avoidant. I like to handle things on my own when they get stressful or are in my way. I dont like to recieve help or advice from people, id rather figure it out myself. Ive always been this way.