What is an Avoidant Relationship Style?

An avoidant relationship style is defined by choosing to keep people at a distance because you doubt their true intentions.

What Leads to an Avoidant Relationship Style?

Psychologists believe the relationship we have with our primary caregivers as children can create a blueprint for the way we approach relationships as adults. In this case, an avoidant relationship type may be influenced by childhood trauma, a feeling of abandonment or a toxic relationship.

Avoidant relationship types are independent and self-directed. They generally refuse to depend on romantic partners for intimacy and tend to keep people at a distance in general.

Relationship Formed with the Self

Avoidant adults have high self-esteem and a positive relationship with themselves but are exceedingly skeptical and cynical about the intentions of others. They have difficulty in accepting the needs and boundaries of others, as well.

Relationships Formed with Others

Experts at rationalizing their way out of every intimate situation, avoidant relationship types often construct their lifestyle in a way that avoids commitment or intimacy. They may see others as are needy, intrusive, and smothering when they try to get too close.

However, even the most avoidant individuals grow. With a little support, they can learn to build intimate and secure relationships.