Abandonment

Related to unhealthy attachments.

Do you struggle with a fear of abandonment? You may be profoundly aware of it or have a nagging feeling that it’s impacting your relationships and your life.

Let’s look at how fear of abandonment can create a barrier to lasting and loving relationships.

• Do you feel you must be perfect, or will you be rejected?

• Do you tolerate criticism or other emotional abuse to avoid being alone?

• Do you hide your true self because you feel you will be found out?

• Do you panic when you don’t receive an immediate response to communication?

• Do you become clingy or demanding when you feel someone pulling away? Or do you leave before you can be left?

• Do you try to avoid your profound fear of abandonment by focusing on work or numbing out with food, alcohol, or drugs?

• Do others’ explained or unexplained absences send you into a tailspin?

• Do you stay in unhealthy relationships because it’s better than being alone? Or do you avoid relationships because you fear the ultimate outcome — you will be left or you are not suited for each other?