As a Codependency and Addiction Coach Specialist, I often hear the question, “Do I have attachment issues?” It’s a valid question, and understanding attachment styles can be a crucial step in your journey to recovery and healthier relationships.
Our early childhood experiences with caregivers shape our internal working models of relationships, influencing how we connect with others throughout our lives.
Let’s explore some common signs that might indicate you have attachment issues:
- Difficulty trusting others: Do you find it hard to open up and be vulnerable, even with people you’re close to? Have you experienced betrayals or disappointments in the past that make it difficult to trust?
- Fear of intimacy: Do you crave connection but also feel terrified of getting too close? Do you push people away when they try to get closer to you?
- People-pleasing behaviours: Do you constantly put others’ needs before your own, even to your detriment? Do you struggle to say “no”? This can often stem from a fear of rejection.
- Seeking constant reassurance: Do you need frequent validation from others to feel secure in your relationships? Do you worry excessively about whether your partner still loves you?
- Difficulty setting boundaries: Do you struggle to assert your needs and limits in relationships? Do you allow others to cross your boundaries without speaking up?
- Emotional reactivity: Do you experience intense emotional reactions to perceived slights or rejections? Do you find it hard to regulate your emotions in relationships?
- History of unstable relationships: Do you have a pattern of short-lived or tumultuous relationships? Do you find yourself repeating the same unhealthy relationship dynamics?
It’s important to remember that these are just some common signs, and everyone’s experience with attachment issues is unique. If you identify with several of these signs, it might be beneficial to explore your attachment style further.
Understanding your attachment style can be a powerful tool for self-discovery, especially when navigating the complexities of codependency and addiction. It can shed light on why you behave the way you do in relationships, often repeating patterns that no longer serve you. This awareness empowers you to make healthier choices, break free from destructive cycles, and cultivate more fulfilling connections, starting with the most important relationship of all: the one you have with yourself. If you suspect you have attachment issues, or recognise yourself in the patterns of codependency, seeking support from a therapist or a specialised coach like myself can be invaluable. I can provide guidance, tools, and unwavering support as you work towards developing more secure attachment styles and building healthier, more fulfilling relationships
I invite you to take my free codependency quiz and book a free discovery call. Together, we can explore your results and discuss how I can support you on your journey.
Warm regards,
Roslyn Saunders Codependency and Addiction Coach Specialist
