When you hear someone say, “I’m attached to this person,” your mind understands it as “having strong feelings of love and care for someone.” In literal terms, attachment is having a deep affection for someone and being dependent on them for happiness. It can manifest in various ways, such as being emotionally invested in someone and wanting to spend time with them.
There are various types of attachment, but the healthiest and most stable type of it is secure attachment. It is an emotional bond between partners with characteristics such as trust, safety, and healthy communication.
This article will help you discover how building secure attachments lays the foundation for strong, fulfilling relationships, along with practical strategies for fostering emotional closeness and trust. Keep reading to learn more!
Understanding secure attachment
Are you empathetic, satisfied with your relationship, and able to create healthy boundaries in your romantic relationship? If the answer is yes, then you may have a secure attachment style.
Read more: Creating Healthy Boundaries in a Romantic Relationship
Individuals with a secure attachment style tend to feel secure, stable, and comfortable in their romantic relationships. According to research, individuals with a secure attachment style face fewer challenges and are more likely to be happier.
Of course, having a secure attachment style doesn’t necessarily mean you don’t face challenges in your relationships. However, you probably feel confident enough to accept your shortcomings and work toward improving your emotional health and relationship.
Still unsure if you have a secure attachment style? Here are some signs that individuals with this attachment style may exhibit in their relationship.
- They can be themselves in a relationship and are not overly dependent on their partner for happiness and comfort.
- They do not get overly anxious when they’re away from their partner.
- They’re happy with their relationship and do not hesitate to ask their partner for any help and guidance.
- When faced with challenges in their relationship, they try to understand the problem and work together with their partner to overcome it.
Benefits of secure attachment in relationships
When individuals think of pursuing a relationship, they naturally think of essential elements such as trust, love, contentment, safety, and individuality — traits they often seek within a relationship.
The benefits of a secure attachment style are plenty, and all contribute to increased well-being, emotional connection, and relationship stability. Let’s explore some of these benefits and how they play a significant role in the betterment of romantic relationships.
Increased emotional closeness and connection
Based on research, secure attachment in relationships has a positive effect on increased emotional intimacy and connection. This is because partners have a stronger emotional connection that is characterized by trust, comfort, and understanding when they feel attached.
Better conflict resolution and problem-solving
The way a person perceives conflict and responds to it can be influenced by their attachment type. Healthy behaviors such as having constructive communication, compromising, and seeking a solution to problems during and after conflict are associated with a secure attachment. These behaviors can improve conflict management and promote relationship contentment.
Enhanced self-esteem and individual well-being
Individuals with a secure attachment style have great self-esteem as they work towards their well-being and that of their partner as well. Research conducted on self-esteem and attachment styles highlights the significant difference in self-esteem between individuals with a secure attachment style and those with an insecure attachment style.
Furthermore, having a secure attachment enables an individual to give a healthy supply of emotional support to their partners. This support helps them to deal with life’s challenges and any relationship problems that may arise.
Practical strategies to build secure attachment
You may feel that you might not have a secure attachment, and, as a result, you may frequently have to deal with relationship problems. But here’s the good news, your attachment styles can change. It takes some work, but it is always achievable. Here are some strategies to build a secure attachment style.
Active listening and empathy
All good things come to those who…listen. Active and empathic listening can really help you understand your partner’s perspective and handle relationship problems better. Moreover, empathy serves as a fundamental component of human interaction, plays a pivotal role in relationships, and ensures a strong emotional bond where both partners can flourish.
Read more: Gregory J. Depow: Strategies for Coping With Empathy | Doing Well #13
Here’s how you can do this:
- Give undivided attention to your partner and actively engage in conversations.
- Maintain eye contact when interacting with your partner.
- Practice non-verbal cues such as nodding and smiling to convey that you’re listening.
Open and honest communication
Now that you’ve listened to your partner’s concerns, it’s time to address them and engage in open and honest communication. Communication is possibly the most important tool when building a secure attachment since it provides a platform for both partners to be vocal about their issues and put everything out in front of each other
Here’s how you can do this:
- Ask your partner if they simply want to vent or if they are seeking a solution.
- Avoid being defensive when your partner is sharing a problem.
- Focus on finding a solution together.
Respecting boundaries and autonomy
Boundaries provide a sense of emotional safety since they create a safe environment where partners can express their thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment while respecting needs and wants. Also, it allows partners to maintain their independence and autonomy while still enjoying the benefits of a loving and secure relationship.
Here’s how you can do this:
- Set clear boundaries and expectations with your partner.
- Respect your partner’s privacy and give them space when needed.
- Seek consent before making any important decisions.
In conclusion
Secure attachment styles are not innate, they are cultivated through good communication, trust, secure companionship, mutual respect, and lots of hard work. By working together to form a secure attachment, partners not only pave the way for an everlasting and happy relationship but also improve their own well-being and mental health.
There’s no doubt that a secure attachment style provides stability to one’s mind and fosters an emotional bond that holds two people together. It can be achieved through determination, confidence, and vigor to improve the quality of a relationship.
If you would like to see more resources on attachment, check out the Relationships Science Labs. The lab uses the research of the Institute for Life Management Science to produce courses, certifications, podcasts, videos, and other tools. Visit the Relationships Science Labs today.
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