The HOW TO LOVE AN AVOIDANT MAN video course is now available! If you want to learn to build a fulfilling lifelong relationship with the man you love, and help him understand and cherish you in return, pick up your copy right now and write a happy ending to your love story! adamlanesmith.com/how-to-love-an-avoidant-man/
I’m in the middle of the course, and I love it. I’m going to need to watch a few times, aspecialy the 4 levels of trust and the what, why, how many times method. But I really had to share this with you: I’ve already been applying a lot of what you share in your youtube videos already, and already noticed many changes. Yesterday I got my hair changed (not a big change but significant enough) and while he was driving, out of absolutely NOWHERE he told me I was really beautiful. Do you know how many years I haven’t heard that? It was so awesome, I had to fight to contain my hapiness. I just said « i’m really glad you like it, I also like what the hairdresser did with my hair » and we continued on another subject. Adam, you are changing our lives for the best. Thank you so much. So excuse me while I’m going straight back to the How to love an avoidant man course 😂❤️❤️❤️
18:12 “secretly watching this” made me smile because I was going to type, “today I learned I’m an avoidant.” But, yes, these steps would help. Thank you, Adam. First time watching you. 👍
Im a healed avoidant woman. The things that helped me open up: Patience, Consistency, Truthful Communication, Stoicism (not being overly emotional), ask questions rather than being judgemental, saying you care rather than saying you love me, pulling back when i pull back.
Most women can heal better because they reflect and communicate a lot. Men are used to cope with everything on their own, they do not want to be vulnerable and talk their problems. So they carry them around without healing.
I applaud you . 👏 I wish my ex could see through me I wasn't going to hurt him. I was secure and became anxious. Well I.wish I'd have found this avoidant relationship thing . I could have perhaps changed our course. I never new. I can't continue to be do severely and brutally wounded...if only ide known because I loved him more than I've ever loved. My health must come first.
The problem is: Others always have to adapt to you FIRST. There is no compromise. I am glad you healed, because living like that is unfair to others. You also need to do the work sometimes FIRST.
He is exhausting me mentally and emotionally. I do all youve stated. I even ask for clarity when he says what he desires of me. I still end up with half-assed, piss-poor communication from him..practically begging for quality time..its weird because he is willing to be physically intimate, but, doesnt "feel safe enough to open up because my ex was..........".😢im over it. I wanted to embark on a Journey with the man who was friendly and I could talk to him for hours about aliens, politics, science....now, Im gasping for air to get reciprocity. After being single for 4 years..I didnt expect this from an adult. He needs therapy, not a relationship. I feel like my Light is being dimmed by doing all the "heavy lifting" of the relationship alone.
All this for a man who is not your husband? if not, GET THE HELL OUTTA THERE MA'AM! He is liable to leave you for someone else and you have nothing to show for this relationship trauma. Pardon me for the harsh approach, you are wasting your time, he is not worth all this: he needs a therapist, not a doormat girlfriend with endless patience and nerves of steel. Is he avoidant when he needs/wants sexual intimacy? if not then he is playing you like a banjo and faking reasons to have you as a part-time lover. A mentally stable man is looking for a woman like you unless you feel you deserve him by something broken inside your mind and heart? I wouldn't think you do, please take my words with love and care as I have 6 older sisters and 1 had a married boyfriend who treated her the way your guy seems to be treating her. He also was physically abusive to her as well. Bless you and hope you find a satisfying outcome! 🙏
Let him go and move on as he is wasting your time. This sounds just like my ex. The one thing this video doesn't mention is how these kinds of avoidants love to do things solely at their own convenience and can purposely make deaf ears to their partners' requests. They will work you over so you do all the work while they chill and run from anything outside their small world. Most are highly resistant to change and will use you at their own convenience and certainly reciprocity is not there. A lot of weak promises stack up and you realise they talked a good game but simply do not want to try another way, are inflexible and exhausting because these types are incredibly stubborn and also rather passive aggressive to maintain control of the relationship, it's pacing and conditions are all based solely on their needs so you find true partnership isn't possible in spite of the strong emotional bond you may feel. It is fair to try your best but if you meet a very stubborn, passive aggressive, sulky yet makes big and unsolicited promises and raises your expectations-type of avoidant move on sooner rather than later. They are happy to waste people's time knowing full well the relationship will expire once you get tired. Then they can keep their hands clean because you are forced to wall away. Avoidants are very rooted in their ways and would sooner see you wall away than change, the ones who would never dare to address their problems by going to therapy, the ones who are happy to be set in their ways. Know the type you are dealing with and decide wisely before getting deeply entangled with this type.
I was dating this guy he had an avoidant attachment style. I got him to open up and I got to see so many sides to him everytime he showed me a different side he would run. He cried in front me once he said why are you so patient with me and why do I feel so comfortable around you. The more I watch your videos it all makes sense.
Yes, mine as well, but then he closed again. Removed affection, got distanced again, relapsed with alcohol, raged, cheated... just a very sick individual. I could not fix him, now I have to fix my codependency.
See you’re trying to fix him I don’t try to fix men or change them. That’s not my responsibility. I also understand that you must create the space as well if I want to be heard I listen. When you in a relationship with someone it requires to have some level of patience. I don’t put myself in situations where I end up being a man therapist. Ive learned when a man wants to share something to shut up and listen. Especially when they don’t share that often. Everything he was saying I agree with because it works.
Then obviously you weren't. You should have used the vaunted female "empathy" to discover just how little emotional support you were actually providing.
@@BenLWolfWhat I don’t understand about men who are DETERMINED to despise every single woman on earth. Why not just leave us alone?? Why seek out interactions with us? If you think we are all inherently guilty by virtue of existing what do you want from interacting with us? Why not ACTUALLY “go your own way”??
I keep attracting avoidant people into my life because I'm avoidant myself. And when you realize this ladies and gentlemen...then you get to see yourself for the first time and realize you have the power to be happy and secure within yourself. ❤ Stop blaming other people look within. Take rest and refuge within yourself. That way you can attract a secure person and you can tell a walking red flag from miles away.
I just hit this level too. 😎 have you tried vagus nerve exercises yet? Holy crap, I don't even know the science behind what happened, but it was intense.
This sounds completely and utterly exhausting for the woman, and very one sided. You're asking the woman to be the perfect bloody mother! An impossibility and any woman out there reading this, do yourself a favour, don't buy into the behaviour, get on with your life, have hobbies and good friends and he'll soon get the message. This has come from years of pampering to men resulting in burn out and having a F*** this moment. My partner and I now have a good relationship and it was all down to leaving him in his cave and going out and enjoying my life. Nothing better than disappearing in front of the disappeared!
Because it is exhausting. This man is teaching women to walk on sharp eggshells and enjoy the process because in the end, maybe the guy keeps the girl.
THE WOMAN FROM ENGLAND OR GREAT BRITAIN I COULD TELL BY THE SPELLING OF FAVOR SHE'S A SPOT ON GREETINGS FROM KENTUCKY TRY HELPING THE POOR THE HOMELESS FAMILY MEMBERS NEIGHBORS COME ON NOW STOP WORRYING ABOUT THESE PODCAST PEOPLE TRY TO PUSH RELATIONSHIPS ON PEOPLE AND MARRIAGE IT'S NOT FOR EVERYBODY GOD CREATED EVERYBODY DIFFERENTLY DRESS MODESTLY ESPECIALLY IT'S A BIG PROBLEM IN THE USA OKAY WOMEN JUST VERY PROVOCATIVELY THEN THEY COMPLAIN ABOUT BEING ABUSED PHYSICALLY YOU KNOW AND EMOTIONALLY THEY'RE ATTRACTING THE WRONG KINDS OF MEN BY LOOKING LIKE THIS AND BEHAVING WORLDLY OKAY IT'S IT'S THE BOTTOM LINE I DON'T CARE IF PEOPLE GET OFFENDED BY MY COMMENTS IT'S THE GOD'S HONEST TRUTH STOP TRYING TO CATER TO MEN OKAY LIFE IS NOT ABOUT THIS ALL RIGHT WOMEN SHOULD BE TAUGHT TO BLOOD THEMSELVES THEY HAVE YOUR OWN LIFE TRAVEL YOU KNOW HELP THE POOR AND THE HOMELESS MY GOSH GET OFF THESE PODCASTS THIS GUY DOESN'T KNOW WHAT HE'S TALKING
@@Samadhicat I lived like this, I am still in the marriage but I am burnt out from implementing all that he say's in this video for years, It left me empty and depressed.
@@NichelleLC I know that feeling, I've been there. For me, I realised that the person simply didn't want to do the necessary changes for us be in alignment. You see, at the end, it's really a matter of wanting or not wanting. In relationships we are just a person wanting, but the other needs to want it too. Nowadays, everyone is so damaged that it seems that we need to have a PhD in Psychology in order to fix the other. No, we don't need that and we must stand against this courses, the magic pill how they sell, that is going to fix relashionships. Adults must have and accept their on stuff, and be responsible, that's it. I believe in love and in relationships between people that want to be in relationships. I believe in being with someone that allows me to be me. I've been in relationships, romantic and friendship, with avoindts for years. And I everything I could in my power to show that I'm trust worthy. It wasn't enough and it was going to be enough. And after years and years of trying, they took off like nothing we did in pass mattered. So no, no more walking on sharp egg shells for me, and a lot of empathy for avoindts. I'm sorry they are missing On Life. Peace for Nichelle on your journey 💕
i just got so upset with him for not caring bout my needs being met. being in love with an avoidant was a one way street. unreciprocated love felt like unrequited love. he ended it a week ago and it makes no sense why im so uspet.
It isn’t the men that need to watch… it’s the women that needs to watch and do it. Men have a reason why we feel like this. The biggest thing that needs to be addressed is when he still says, “no”. Then she’ll reveal who she really is and that all that is learned from women from what he teaches how she can manipulate him.
This is the craziest shxt I've seen in a while. These MEN were poorly raised and have done ZERO self work, but as a woman you are to take ON HIS healing as a part the relationship. This is some next level mind fukery.
Not only do they disappear but they often lack empathy for you. You end up being alone in a relationship, constantly pouring into someone else who can't reciprocate.
Yes, exactly! And especially in the case of mine, which is betrayal trauma. My avoidant husband hid his pornography/sex addiction for 20 years. So now that I’ve been traumatized by it, he’s become even more avoidant.
I did all these things. Set clear boundaries and expectations. Reacted positive when my friend did. Asked for their needs, expectations. Always had complete patience when they pulled away, and supported them when they felt uncomfortable. But it shifted the dynamic more and more into a space where I was giving and they were taking. And it took only ONE misstep - one time getting angry because my repeated boundaries were broken - for them to walk away forever. I invested too much time in Avoidants to try again. Why exactly am I the one doing so much work and giving so much grace when they keep looking for my faults? I'm not sure what I'm getting out of that deal.
I dated avoidants who expressed great interest in me, but once their game starts, it's a nightmare. Avoidant behavior nearly destroyed me. I used to be anxious but recently tested to have a secure attachment style. One thing I can say Avoidants will f#&k you up. I learned.
You have to stay in a mind of ok cool say less or idgaf to capture him, once you care wayyyyyy to much you start nagging complaining … so they run when you don’t care they stay forever because your not attached… be patient when they know most ppl leave… they wanna see how long your gonna stay
@@777-h6n i showed a fearful avoidant some love and affection… omg he was soooo shocked and but liked it and scared at the same time, I could te he wasn’t use to getting or giving this type of treatment it was almost alien 👽 to him, but that’s what his been craving and he doesn’t let ppl get close to him like that, he said he felt free iam like wow what type of woman are used to dealing with… smh most men crave affection but fear it because that don’t want someone getting that close to them because it comes with risk, but he lets me cuddle him and give him affection
I get where you're coming from, but the ultimate goal is for both partners to work on their attachment. When one partner becomes secure, it creates a safe environment for both and builds deeper connection and trust in the relationship. Make sense?
Le Gasp! You have to do... No.. do not let me say it! Your feminine ears may burst into flame! ... Dare I? Oh ... I suppose this one I dare. You'd have to do WORK! *distant thunderclap*
Becoming secure isn't for anyone else but yourself. If you want a healthy, long-standing relationship where you and your partner are interdependent, becoming secure is the best option. Being secure attached allows you to have better bonds in all areas of life, not just romantic relationships. So don't look at it like your doing it for another person, because it's not going to work and you will see it as giving up part of yourself for another (which isn't healthy), look at it as a part of yourself that you are ready to heal "change" for your future self. You will, in no doubt, attract a more secure person, and through this transition, you will have the correct tools to navigate through any situations that aren't a good match for you.
He needs a therapist! Not a partner. A partner can’t be that and continue to be abused by him. Ok if you’re stuck in a marriage, yes do all this. But if you have a choice - DO NOT ENTER THIS RELATIONSHIP. Danger ahead!
Holy shit this explains everything for me. Me and my husband lived this without even knowing it. At first we fought some times when we first dated but then we worked toward being friends and then later best friends. And over time we discovered that we got along so well we grew to love each other slowly. It took 6 years to get to where we are today and been married for one year. And we are really happy.
Girl you've only been married a year. Just you wait. That man is going to torment you. Dating for 6 years is already a huge red flag unless you began dating when you were both really young.
If only it were so, Adam. Many of us here have done what you suggest... we have tried to show our avoiding partner the love caring and understanding you discuss here. You said that you have help for the avoidant in some videos and I will look for them. After everything I've been through relationships with 2 avoidants in a row, this is what I have learned: An avoid MUST know that he is an avoidant. Only then can he begin to see the sabotaging patterns that have emerged in his life. No amount of understanding by a partner is going to fix and avoidant. They have to fix themselves. That means counseling and a lot of self-reflection. Please don't ask us to do all the work. There's not a magic bullet coming from non avoidant partner's directions. I would love it if you would come up with a video to send to the avoidant to open his eyes so that he can start to heal.
Completely agree. It's hard to always be the one that brings chaos to their lives, instead of them accepting that they need to also step up to heal themselves. A video for them to see without getting triggered will be of great help.
I was that person. Now I'm as avoidant as he was. The rug was pulled out so quickly, right when I relaxed and believed he would stay. Everything you describe happened. Including giving me a speech about how wonderful I am and he didn't expect to find someone like me. But he dumped me, instead of opening up, because he said I deserved better than him. Now I can't bring myself to lend that support to anyone, because all I see is someone who is going to take from me and break my heart again.
Imagine being a woman who has never experienced true safety. I totally get this whole video. Men aren't the only ones who, from no fault of their own, yearn for this feeling in a relationship. I find that men who are avoidant types like myself, lack any sense of self-awareness and come off quite the opposite as highly defensive individuals who have no clue why they can't trust others in relationships. In other words, they're clueless about attachment styles, let alone that feeling safe is what they lacked growing up. Thank you for making these educational videos that help both men and women reflect and grow towards change in ourselves as opposed to (us) expecting others to meet needs we sometimes aren't aware we even have. Hope this made sense.
“Trying to be fair, in a world that’s unfair to them.” That’s definitely a key takeaway. I never thought about myself possibly being an avoidant, but that quote may just make me rethink that possibility.
Me & my partner are BOTH Dissmissive Avoidant… I have to say this is very true for both of us. Me as a woman and he as a man. We try hard to be kind & patient with each other & learn as much as we can about our attachment styles…. & try to help each co-regulate. We’re eachother’s emotional support humans ☺️
This is all truth.. been battling a world that wants me to stay small for 43 years.. always just looking for a girl to say "it's me and you against the world, babe".. and we'd be unstoppable. I'm a little late learning about this attachment thing. Ethical disorganized avoidant. Thank you for giving me the vocabulary I needed to mitigate any future harm to others. I keep trying and failing.
Wow Adam! You did the dang thing. I love how you really appeal to our empathy in this one. LADIES: treasure his words. I would even add that many of us who have big hearts truly believe that we are trying to appeal to our men and be sweet and soft. But please pay attention to the way you communicate. I thought I was being sweet And simply stating my needs. But I was actually criticizing and complaining. Now every time he does what I do want. I tell him how much I love it and I take the time out to admire his many strengths and what he does for me. It doesn't just help him. It helps me. It helps me to focus on the great man that he is And appreciate his masculine qualities. Also what Adam said about marriage: THEY WILL MARRY!! But yes they analyze risk. My fiance ghosted the girl before me when she tried to say I love you. Interestingly, the one story he will tell me about her is when she yelled at him when he needed to bring some work home. A few months later we met and within a matter of 2 months we were saying I love you and he, although promising himself he would never ever ever get married again, actually told me that he would marry me. Here. We are a year and a half later and just months away from such a sacred and beautiful vow. My point though is that he explained to me that I was truly kind, that I didn't yell at him and nag him the way other women do and instead I was always researching information and doing what I could to understand him and how he is. And I let him watch TV and play video games. 😂😂 Don't get me wrong. I have anxious attachment and I do make my needs known. But even if you apply the principles taught by Adam and others about attachment, you will start to see results. One other thing, my fiance is truly a good man. He is very respectful and polite and consistent. If you're longing for an avoidant man that is not ethical, do yourself a favor. Move along and love yourself. Respect is just a minimum.
Well that just makes me sad. I noticed that you generalized women by saying "you ladies". I noticed that you were sarcastic. And now I'm going to show empathy for you. You've probably had more than your share of experiences in life that have helped form your beliefs. And I'm sure your comment came from a place of pain because I don't doubt that you're intelligent and know very well that there are both ethical men and ethical women left in this world as well as the opposite. I do have to admit that I took your comment personally at first as I have put my heart and soul into my loved one and I carry a lot of pride in being the one that he has chosen after so much betrayal and abuse in his life. My comment was quite long so you probably didn't get through it all, but had you read it all you would see the effect that my empathy and love has had on him as well as the effect he has on me. I hope that you experience this and maybe just maybe there's a lady that will capture your heart and help you believe again. 🤍
@@LindseyGarcia0918 Oooo! oo! here it comes! the "performative empathy". Yes, yes. Go on with your bad self girl. Totally jill off to your own power. You're so awesome and wonderful and pristine.
One might think that the best match for an avoidant is another avoidant. But that’s not the case, is it? It seems like you are describing a one-sided relationship where the secure partner does all the work to make the avoidant feel safe, not mentioning how rare this clear and concise communication style is. It sounds almost enabling, rather than encouraging the avoidant to challenge their thoughts and beliefs through cognitive reframing. And all it takes is one false move by the secure partner to cause this hall of cards to come tumbling down again.
Yep, thats because all this adam lame guy cares about is pumping out content for the anxious/secure folk to earn a quick buck because avoidants dgaf about working on themselves. Seen a few of his videos, disingenuous person.
For me as a woman I will feel like I’m dating a child. It’s frustrating for women to have to patycake a man. At some point we loose ourselves, we are doing the emotional work for both of us..
Yes and we end up being their mothers and then they do not feel attracted to us anymore. What an avoidant needs is somebody even more avoidant to wake up maybe. But not a kind, loving, understanding doormat.
First question that comes to my Monday is what on earth drew you to these men in the first place and why do you stay with him?!? It’s bizarre to me - learn how to be content single and stop getting into these types of relationships
Problem with finding out and meeting the needs of DAs is that it brings about emotional closeness in the relationship which scares the DA and they revert to finding fault and nitpicking their partner, pushing them away. Would like to hear from DAs themselves if their partner meeting their needs has actually helped to bring them to a point of feeling safe and connecting with their partner.
As an ethical. Avoidant it helped me that she met my needs in our happy period. When slowly she started demanding more intimacy was when I started to distance myself. Then she got even less, whined more about it, I felt even more suffocated, pushed into a corner. It’s the nagging, demanding , prying , forcing, emotional manipulation that makes me want to run for the hills. Avoidants look like pushing more and more frantically a door that has a sticker that says: pull. They just so entangled in their Own emotions, that they fail to notice , and read:PULL.
I don’t understand how I am so hyper vigilant, and had such intense early life, domestic violence, trauma, and still not be avoidant…like it’s the reverse. I feel like I am championing people who did not get up and fight back like I did. Pushing back hard on ignorance, not letting people I love be overpowered by the evil around them…
It's remarkable that you've channeled your early life experiences into becoming a strong advocate for others. Not everyone responds to trauma in the same way, and your resilience and determination to fight back have shaped you differently. How do you find balance in protecting others while also taking care of your own well-being?
@@AttachmentAdam Not the person the question was asked to, but sharing a similar experience. I'ld say it's about a diminued sens of the self and one's own interest, and a greater emphasis on what people are rather than what might take from us. Thus am I ready to "pay to see" the other one's hand, aka what he's all about inside, ready to get burned without grudge. It leads to selflessness and a rather great(er) ethical attitude and leadership capability through exemple and dedication. The very sad part though, the thing that stings at night, is that I totally get and believe the rational behind the avoidant I did not became, but rather seek to heal on others. I admire their drive and though hypervigil myself, I feel ashamed to not be as efficient. It feels to me than, rather than moving up from a bad hand, I dampened it by making it a choice and a trait of personality. I feel willingly blinded by Nietzsch's slave morality, unable to move past the feeling that allowing myself to love is the better choice, yet still feeling diminished by it. I'm the one that keeps suffering while those I love can move around breaking things without consequences, having more ressources to allocate to their own success. I'ld very much hear your though about that. In a sens, I suspect I became anxious rather than avoidant, and paid a steeper price.
I partially agree but it takes 2 to tango. The avoidant also needs to make an effort, work on his patterns and also accomodate the differences and imperfections of their partner because they can't always carry the whole weight of the relationship and completely adapt and accomodate his every need. Everyone has an off day sometimes and you can't be someone's peace, consistency and security 24/7 if they don't even give you any consistency and security because of their patterns... The avoidant needs to try hard to show up in a safe and consistent way as well!
Listen Adam, I’ve done all these things , I’m very easy going and fun, but this man won’t commit, I’m Not forcing anyone to act in unnatural ways to please me, I left I’m in peace ✌️
@@purplebutterfly314 I agree cuz it’s dammed if you do dammed if you don’t, if you met me I’m the most prettiest easy going down to earth, great sex good conversation, pleasant engaging personality, calm and collected a scientist in a laboratory, smart intellectual, we like each other always spend time together, u know what happened all these attributes even pushed him further away because he’s now unlocked the abandonment fear, I can’t do anything right! So I gave up, I hate nagging people it tires me so when I see people ways I give them their space to act accordingly because it’s their life to live !!!
Wow, this is the first time I’ve heard this perspective on an avoidant outside of why they are avoidant. Bravo, this video provides a framework on how to think outside yourself with an avoidant to increase harmony in the relationship. You painted a picture of what a day is like for an avoidant.
As an avoidant man, one thing for sure you got right is "asking about context." Sometimes I feel something I did, or said, is taken wrong, and I'm accused of hurting my partner. And if I explain why I did what I did, showing I had no bad intention, I'm usually accused of "being defensive." And I understand people are free to feel the way they do, and I apologize, I ask how to make up for it... but assumption of motive, that's where I go "I didn't do that to hurt you, I'm sorry that it did hurt you..." and a fight occurs, and I don't understand why. I wouldn't assume someone did something setting out to hurt me... So...asking about context, that just seems so important, and so overlooked.
Get your emotional problems solved before getting into a relationship, nobody needs to deal with your problems, you need to fix yourself before trying to be with someone. Is not fair to the partner who needs to deal with your emotional issues. Get therapy and maybe someday you can try again when you're healthy, that's the best for you too, so many breakdowns because you really aren't prepared for a relationship YET.
I understand where you’re coming from. I have an avoidant personality too, but depending on the person I can shift it, but I’m definitely avoidant with friends to an extreme and I’ve had people get mad at me too I would suggest saying I’m sorry I hurt you. It wasn’t my intention. I just needed space because of etc. that was going on with me personally , * insert your details and context, The key is that I said I’m sorry”i” hurt you not: I’m sorry that “ it “ hurt you Do you see how the first one takes responsibility personally, where the second one is still kind of doing a little bit of blame shifting and cold shoulder behavior? Trust me I get it. I do the same thing!
If you are with a person who believes you want to hurt them, then that person is not right for you. The first step towards a healthy relationship should be trust that we’re in this together, not you against me. I’m sorry you are in this situation.
@@LdAmaro71 I think you are romanticizing mental illnesses and reading a common sense argument against codependency it sounds aggressive to you because for you this should be the partner sacrificing themselves for an avoidant, which is just ridiculous and doesn't resolve any problem, it only causes new mental problems for both parts in the relationship.
Thank you for your video. The conversation is much deeper though, and doesn’t take in consideration the trauma that caused years long wounds . Even though you might not be in front a manipulator, often the trauma causes abusive behaviors, and no matter how much “fair treatment” you offer, no matter how “unicorn” you are, it’s very rare to find a man that will actually appreciate what you’re doing for him, in terms of what you explained here. It’s like trying to feed caviar to someone who only fed himself with fast food. They don’t have the capability to appreciate it, even if they wanted it. Trauma changes human nature, and self awareness in these cases is the hardest obstacle . I speak from a four years long experience. I understood and grew myself, in the effort of understanding another human being, but the defense mechanisms are too embedded, and the generosity and flexibility you offer is often taken advantage of. There’s never fairness in such a relationship, and it decays, instead of improving, because the securely attached partner is taken for granted, and expected to be the “giver”, reliantly.
Tbh doesn't sound like a secure attached person is sounds like the anxious person. Over-giving is a thing one needs to cut back on, determine own limitations and where to draw the line, or decide that it's unconditional love and have no expectations of anything in return. I could be wrong but that's how I understand about the anxious style.
Wow! I cannot thank you enough for this video. Most of the videos on avoidants are very negative. This is a real eye opener, maybe I should say "heart opener". I thought I understood him but there are still some things that I just didn't get. It's very clear to me now. I feel like crying. Again- much appreciation and respect for you.
I am a “information snob” and I am picky on who I follow and listen to. You are fantastic!!! True and easy to understand and digest information! I loved it and I’m craving more info!!!
Wow! This is interesting that you talk about safety, as this very morning, my avoidant SO, who is opening up gradually, was saying how the word safety and security come up each time he thinks of his needs. I am very happy that I do exactly as you recommend: clearly express my expectations and enquire about his. As security and safety come up a lot. I am his safe place, his peace. We try to keep an open communication, and it works great. We are in love with deep friendship vibes.with him, I learned that love is acceptance, and it starts from within. Each one is responsible for becoming more aware to be a better person. Now, I really get the powerful saying, " because I love you, I love me. Because I love me, I love you" ❤ Thank you beyond words for your videos ❤
This info was a love hero. Saved my relationship. I found these vids and used the lil methods suggested that worked. The other video gave exact words and insite. Brilliant. It was exactly what I used and it really saved us. He was hoping I would get him. I did not and he grew disappointed in me. When I started saying his language...the romance and attention came rushing back. I have strict rules he must follow to prevent same old habits. We have set consequences for rule breaking. I don't put time on what he don't do. I let him know only when something needs to be noted. If I don't get... Its because I did not ask. I now have the tools to ask and I get all I ask for.
Your video good sir hit the nail on the head. I have never heard anything more clearer and what exactly sounds like me. This is crazy. I am a Marine Corps veteran and it feels like such a relief to hear what you are saying.
Thank you so much! This information is so incredibly valuable, I have been dating a guy off and on now for 14 years!..but every time he has always ended up pushing me away! I am so grateful to be finely learning the skills to help him feel safe with me and be able to settle.💗
This video is awesome! Life changing work for an anxious-avoidant woman… learning this about my potential partner equips me and empowers me. I can try this and if it doesn’t work, I can walk. At least now, I have information and tools You’re awesome, Dr ALS
Don’t waste your time with avoidant men -you basically need to be a doormat with a career and have zero needs for them to be happy and they will still value you and most likely cheat.
Exactly. Secure people truly leave. Only way it ever sticks is if you sacrifice yourself and bend to their life like a pretzel bc they are not going to meet you halfway. It’s miserable
Wow, first time I feel understood, by this man, and myself, I turn to the comments hoping for some support and theres just rejection. Thanks everyone 💔 I'm not a bad person. Been in pain all my life and trying to mitigate the pain I cause to others and they cause to me, so I live in the periphery because I know there's more to feel, I just can't access it. Man I was hoping the comments had a community of understanding, feel pretty despondent now.
I am a hopeful woman in love with an avoidant man. I have adhd, anxiety, ocd and a little asd (socialization is hard for me). I am extremely self aware and have worked hard on my mental health and trying to understand myself and why I do what I do. I am much softer, much more patient, secure with myself, trustworthy, loyal, and I love him with all my heart. He loves me too, I do know this. But it scares him to feel that much love I think and he tried to sabotage us but I’m an overexplainer 😂 I am often misunderstood so I’m a rare case I think lol. I am an anxious person but I don’t think I have a very anxious attachment style anymore after being a single mom for 3+ years and I just learned it’s not worth feeling like it’s the end of the world, I have been through a lot because of my trusting nature and because I care but I come off as cold to alot of people for some reason…I use to chase bad. Now I have to make myself pull back but still be there and remind him that I am still here and love him. I think I have always been attracted to avoidant men but I didn’t know what that was. I was with one for 10 years before he left me and another for 6 years before he left. I have always made it clear that if they leave me, they will not come back that we can come to an understanding and grow through anything. To be fair they both left cuz they respected me enough not to cheat on me since they had seen me express how deeply it hurts me to even imagine cheating. I think cheating is the most disrespectful thing you can do to someone… This guy I’m in love with has been with me on and off for the last 3 years and we still have such strong feelings for each other which just freaks him out without me even doing anything lol I love him so much and the hurt he feels when he’s upset over something that was completely taken out of contex and he made much more than it was at all makes me feel his love and it just melts away any harsh feeling I feel. I am still hurt by the lack of trust sometimes and him being distant and closed off but I love him more after I felt his hurt from his heart. It just makes me love him that much more. So, have faith and trust that someone is out there who can love you that way you have never felt loved! I love him that way and I know someday he will believe it without a doubt. 😊
Not everyone, I get you 😁. I’m deeply in love with an avoidant,and I can see how much he cares about me. I can feel his struggle with me. He leaves and returns on repeat but the times he’s gone are shortening massively, I think that’s because I let him, without being angry or upset about it, and I’m really not. I knew what I was getting myself into. I knew what my options were. I have to fully take him as he comes or be prepared for a world of hurt. He’s fully worth it. For the right woman, you will be too
The problem was that I was that one person for him, but then he just invited his extremely toxic ex right into our relationship and started emotionally cheating on me with her. She doesn't want a romantic relationship with him, she barely even wants him in her life, she only keeps him around so that she can use him. I couldn't continue being a calm beacon in that environment. I had to protect myself... so I left. Now he just has another reason to be avoidant I guess, because he thinks people always leave If you're avoidant try looking at your own behavior in the relationship. Were you inviting chaos into the relationship or were they... because chances are it may have been you
@creatureofstyle It's better you left. My new friend started showing some strange signs but I never heard of attachment styles but quickly determined he is an avoidant. He's a player too. Biggest sign was talking about his ex and other girls early on. He is just a friend thankfully nothing more. No way I was falling for all that crazy😂
I spent 23 years supporting a DA. I worked around his every whim. I pulled him out of hundreds of episodes and depressions. I burntout, got sick and he left me, ill, unable to work with no home and a son in college. He has distanced himself completely from me and our son. I have offered to support him if he gets help. He has refused. Ive tried everything and now im trying to heal and detach. I feel so used.
I’m really sorry you’ve had to go through that. Now that you're trying to heal and detach, what strategies or tools have been helpful? Please know that you can reach out to me any time - I'd love to help you figure out your next steps as you move forward. We can create a clear action plan so you have a sense of direction. My email is support@adamlanesmith.com
I believe I have behaved in this trusted, non-pressured way, but some people are just too entrenched in their maladaptive, avoidant coping mechanisms. At some point, you have to set a boundary and leave the possibly of a healthy, romantic relationship in favor of your own mental well-being and time. It is bittersweet. I recall feeling as though I was attempting to befriend and provide a safe space for a stray animal.
AMEN 😁🙏 GREETINGS FROM THE STATE OF KENTUCKY IN THE US CULTURE IS VERY TOXIC AND VERY VIOLENT IT'S A MESS HERE IT'S NOT LIKE WHAT IT USED TO BE A WOMEN JUST VERY PROVOCATIVELY THEN COMPLAIN ABOUT THE OUTCOME MEN AND ARE TAUGHT TO BE VERY NARCISSISTIC AND SELFISH AND A FEW WOMEN AS OBJECTS BEAUTY IS IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER BY THE WAY AND ALSO SO WOMEN SHOULD NOT BE CATERING HOW EXHAUSTING I MEAN WOMEN NEED TO BE TAUGHT WE NEED TO TEACH OUR CHILDREN TO LOVE THEMSELVES AND BE OKAY ALONE AND HELP OTHERS BE THE DIFFERENCE BE THE GOOD TYPE OF PEOPLE IN THE US UNLIKE THE MAJORITY IT'S GOT TO BE REALLY BAD HERE AND IT'S JUST REALLY QUITE DISGUSTING AND MEN ARE VERY ABUSIVE IT'S REALLY IT'S VERY DISTURBING AND THE WAY WOMEN SOME OF THE WOMEN DRESS THE SECULAR WOMEN YOU KNOW THEY DON'T REALIZE THAT IS NOT BEING EMPOWERED BY DRESSING AND BEING PROVOCATIVE ONCE AGAIN YOU CAN THANK THE CULTURE OF THE EVIL MEDIA OF THE SECULAR MINDSET
You are doing wonderful work in the world, Adam. I wish you were around when I was a young woman and in love with an avoidant man. But you're here now, and your work is very valuable to me and so many others.
I'm crying, because I want that connection so bad. I value your videos, especially on this topic, but it's so hard to start. I have anxiety traits, and sometimes I think I have disorganized attachment, so I'm already fearful about "making a move" on him (avoidant). Going to watch this again, and write things down. Thank you again, Adam 🙏
Please consider going through my new course. It will really help! adamlanesmith.com/how-to-love-an-avoidant-man/ you can learn all about it here. This would be a good crash course in what to do as next steps, and why.
I'm so glad this video resonated with you! It's always rewarding to hear that my content is having a positive impact. So, what specific aspects of the video were most game-changing for you?
@AttachmentAdam the having to be the best possible version of yourself info, you explaining what they're thinking then being able to explain what the person enduring them is going through. I was listening to this while trying to find the right supportive words to text to the man I love. Your points on how to talk so they understand, worked beautifully in just one text. He's worth it, but holy shit, is it hard work lol You're right, the chick has to be settled, understand and regulate herself... and communicate straight away, directly. I could go on and on ... this video is going to be a rewatcher for me in this journey.
It’s a beautiful video. Lovely & hopeful stories you have shared!!! WARNING:- these happy endings will not be commonplace. It takes YEARS in most cases, especially where no therapy is involved. It’s a big fat MAYBE. Is the MAYBE MAN worth it? He may never change. Please remember- these happy experiences expressed are of men who have been humble enough to go to therapy. Most men will NOT do this. If you have someone who is *willing* to do this therapy, that’s definitely a great sign. Then it’s very hopeful. But it is very rare. And this guy’s channel is only talking about people who have been humble enough to do therapy. Wonderful stories. But I think he should be warning the dangers more, cos it is extremely dangerous, when not guided by a professional. Don’t do it alone!!!
I love an avoidant man … most likely an FA - he used to say he finally felt peace with me. Called me “the love of his life” Most likely because I used to be a DA so I recognized some things he may need. I did one thing … that he got upset about broke up with me abruptly. It’s been 3 months and it nearly broke me. Now I’m finally coming out of the other side, he still doesn’t face me, emails me. And I’m getting tired. Honestly not sure I want even want to deal anymore even though I still love him. 😒
Not easy, been through something similar. If he's still emailing you there's def something still there. I could be wrong, but believe they have to conquer their stuff and find the resolve to come back to us. Good to be prepared with what to say and do if they do. Hope things get better for you 🙏
If you plan to continue with him, you will need to determine if you think you can do this for the rest of your life. If you are having serious doubts at 3 months, I would take a very serious look at what you want from your love life. Does this man fit into that? My great-grandmother used to say that a woman's love will grow wherever it is planted. If it is planted in a big pile of horse crap, it will grow there. It won't be healthy but it will grow. If it is planted in fertile soil, it will prosper. If you decide to end it with this man, accept that things just didn't work between the two of you and move on. There are plenty of fish in the sea.
You can love him and still choose to move on for yourself fall in love with yourself get to know who you are unapologically read workout Meditate Journal spend time in nature Hiking fishing dancing swimming coloring get dressed up Take yourself on dates Flirt with men then Gradually start dating again If you do all this he will come back Men can feel your energy switch however Sometimes we think we want them back until we fall in love with ourselves then their behavior becomes unattractive It's not about finding the one It's about becoming the one and attracting who you are always meant to be just be patient with yourself and enjoy the journey Because love is inside of you Love is all around you love is beautiful love is magic We are never. Separated in love because we are love❤🥰
@@Danielle-t7t But don't forget! time is ticking! Those eggs are going bad, ladies! Youth and beauty.. slipping away. Skin thinning by the day. Everything is sagging. Oh and now the men have invented AI girls who are far more supportive than you can ever be. Tick tick tick.
It's not about ethics imo. Some men cannot help but breadcrumb, stonewall, put no effort and ghost you. We must in this case analyze the risk we assume by failing to walk away. They are addicted to their maladaptive behaviors and you really don't want to get addicted to them. Call them out and get out. Also not all avoidants are this way but many are immature when it comes to love.
THANK YOU!!! His advise is counter productive. It's cool to identify who the avoidant person is at a textbook sense but getting emotionally enmeshed with them is relationship suicide! You cater to them without reciprocation and appreciation, can't expect more from them, gotta walk on eggshells for them to not scare the delicate bunny away into the woods and constantly fear them leaving? They ghost you at will, they are unreliable, unpredictable, can't accept love and affection? Call you days or weeks later to breadcrumb and jerk you around and disappoint? HECK NAW!! Ain't no body got time for that! True love aint never been that hard, but toxic trainwreck situationships have. lol HARD PASS!!!
One important caveat that should be included here is how to assess when it’s _worth it_ or not to try to keep a particular person in your life. It should never come at the cost of your own mental and emotional wellbeing, and it’s critically important to be aware of when the effort gets to be too one-sided for too long. _Most of all-_ learning to trust when you did _everything you could,_ and not blame yourself for it not being enough. While it’s important to reflect on one’s contributions both positive and negative, it’s vital to recognize when the other person’s inconsistent, unreasonable demands are setting you up for failure.
So i heard everything you said and it was absolutely profound and I think you are right, with a caveat. I was/am a textbook anxious style but with profound enlightenment and shadow work done, making fast strides to secure attachment. Now, the man Im in love with is DEEP in the trenches of his dismissive avoidance. I understand every aspect of why now and have clarity and empathy. Now, while i agree with your take here, it is going to take TREMENDOUS energy, work and time for him to dig himself out of his hole and for me to keep up the work to help him through that on my end. All i will get in return for a long period of time will be breadcrumbs, resistance, and being accused of being "holier than thou". So, how is that, at all conducive to me being able to maintain the road to secure attachment, even when Im self fulfilling and have laid boundaries? I know this man loves me, but from a deeply damaged and broken subconscious. How the heck do I take the inevitable backlash that he will start with while he learns to process and rewrite his mind towards emotional stability?
Is he helping you through yours? I love my husband dearly but I've got to the point, after the last 10 of 25 years being Hell (ex-wife invited to his niece's wedding, breaking open the ugly box of feelings he had buried), that I am tired of dealing with the undeserved, intentional acts he's done to hurt me. He's treating me the way she treated him, and I didn't understand WTH was happening to my marriage, or why, until now. You should not backslide into being anxious again or put your own success aside for him. I went through Hell before I met my husband and he met me healed. I won't allow him or anyone else to take that success, my worth, away from me again. You said, "the MAN I'm in love with", not little boy. He needs to step up do this on his own. You can be supportive but empathy is a two-way street. You really can't survive on breadcrumbs and why should you?
Same here… the things that resonated for me the most were all the things provided for the DA in relationship by the partner… in this case the female providing for a man… I’d ultimately feel so much loyal & so much gratitude & just boat loads of respect for a man to care about me that way & anticipate things for me, protect. I’d feel so safe & cherished…I felt like my heart would explode… and in feeling that I also felt anxious at the same time… fear that it would become conditional & I’d be abandoned as well… I do know I am fearful avoidant & healing that intentionally now as well, but this video & those parts felt very validating for me, ty.
Scrolling through the comments on Adam’s videos I’m quickly realising it’s a place for men to argue with hurt and despairing women. We are here to try and work out what we can do to make YOUR lives happier so you don’t take it out on us - which is more than you’d do for us so pick on someone your own size.
There are unfortunately a lot of hurt people looking to get validation of their hurt or even take it out on others to relieve some stress. Thankfully the majority of this community is not that way, and most are seeking solutions and understanding.
Leaving this for the next person. I was called an „obsessed psycho“, „jealous“ (I asked if his ex knew they were broken up), „delusional“, etc., so the transition from avoidant to psychopath (not clinical term I assume) seems smooth, he left and came back 2-3 times and if I was 1% braver I would contact his ex and ask if she knows I exist(Ed), but I’m too scared of him for that. If your dude verbally abuses u like mine did „when he was stressed“, please let him go. They escalate often. Just putting this here. I’m a mature, soft person so I definitely don’t go around being abusive, all I asked was „hey this seems weird she was ok w the break up? Just like that?“ and he exploded on me for weeks until finally leaving. Do it better, don’t take them back ok
From one Avoidant to another.... I will share something that has worked for my wife and me for 22 years. I call it "poke the bear". My wife can be a bit volatile at times. Even if her outburst isn't directly attacking me, the surprise attack produces fear. Fear produces anger. Angry Avoidants are not something that ANYBODY wants around them. So, when I see the little storm clouds building on the horizon of my wife's emotions, I start doing little things to irritate her further. Nothing severe, things like getting in her way while she is cooking or loading the dishwasher wrong. I will keep this up until she blows and then we can get on with our evening peacefully. This works for us because I can see it coming. I can almost predict the exact moment it will happen. It doesn't surprise me. So, I can deal with her outburst on the logical side of my brain instead of the fearful side. I guess some might call this manipulative but it is not being done maliciously. It is being done to save her from my anger. She gets a pressure release and I get the calm waters back as quickly as possible.
This is quite brilliant, actually. 😅 My DA husband of one year and myself FA leaning more anxious in this dynamic have been trying to figure out this dance ourselves. Conflict is our biggest hurdle. We get along really well and have both become comfortable in how we move about our relationship daily. But how each handles conflict stomps us every time. He just mentioned the not to "poke the bear" phrase last night in regards to him asking me to get better at letting him get distance from blowing up. I have a hard time not feeling that I was really heard in the moment. He assures me that he hears me everytime. He just needs to process it without having to try to hash it out when my emotions are heightened. I feel like he has poked me a few times when I'm resisting just saying how I feel and it definitely works better than me approaching him the way I do.
@@TiffanyNicholeCatley Ya, I can relate to that. I am not able to argue positively if there are emotions on either side of the argument. Especially if I am angry and feeling attacked. I need to let the waters calm a bit before I can discuss things. You need to let him get away and process. But you can put a time limit on it. When I 1st started doing this, I needed a few hours. Maybe some guys will need a day or 1/2 a day. Now, I can process in a few minutes, like 15-20 minutes. It's a learned skill. I wouldn't allow it to carry over to the next day though. You need closure as well. But you'll both need to agree to a time limit BEFORE the next argument. He won't be able to give you a time if he's angry.
@nohillforahighstepper Interesting, as a anxious leaning secure, I try to diffuse his anger or usually in condescending or sarcastic remarks, by reminding him, I am not the enemy and I love him and he will get through whatever is stressing him at that moment… usually work or other outside family…. Irvif he can’t see me bc if busy schedule and he feels he’s letting me down /bc I may say - I understand your busy but wish we could be together at the same time (just in a perfect world thought bc I enjoy spending time ) I try not to respond back although I want to bc it hurts, but I tell him I know he doesn’t really mean that and try to approach it that way … he usually calms and comes back later ok Would that work with other avoidants ?
Adam I am a woman who has been married to a man like this for 29yrs....I have been his safe place, I have been there with open heart and mind. With solutoins to help us both feel loved.....To this day he still bases our happiness on weather I keep his emotions safe. Number One priority.
absolutely I agree, mine was 31 yrs of unconditional love and I was his stability, when I left , oh he has regrets because he finally realized what I put into the relationship, his life was peaceful, it’s now a shambles, he realizes now, too little to late, this is not healthy love sorry.
I had to watch this twice because I thought I was hearing: LADIES LISTEN UP TO THIS SUMMARY. Do all the work to make him feel safe because he does not feel safe in the world. Be his peace, give him his space, meet his needs and eventually he’ll meet yours if you’re patient consistent. If he’s not doing it because you haven’t made him safe. Not because he’s a grown up and hasn’t taken responsibility for his wounds but because you are not safe 😩😩😩
Oh you’re being sarcastic 😅 phew, I hope this dude isn’t actually saying all this, I’m about to watch. It would be too high risk to keep investing all that into an adult who may never change! I agree, he needs to sort his shit out alone
He is giving advice to the question "I really want this person in my life, what can I do?". If you see this as an attack on yourself and Adam putting the blame on women it is because you choose to.
I think so too. It's really about personal choice. If you felt that person worth the fight then get in there, if not simply move on. @@thatguywastakenagain
There is nothing secure about this "secure partner". It's people pleasing, pure and simple. Unless it comes to you naturally, so it also fullfill your needs.
This is dead on. I remember after my last relationship ended I got closer to a female friend of mine. We hooked up one night and felt more sparks than I felt in the entirety of my previous one year relationship. To this day, I feel closer to her than any other woman in my life.
@@evrimozgun you're absolutely right! The best female friend a guy could ask for. I even introduce my FWBs to her so she can sniff out the "snakes," lol.
I’m was extremely anxious before meeting my husband who’s secure attachment. We’ve been together 21 yrs, his love was what gave me assurance and security. Adam is right when you become that one person who makes the individual feel love and security, there’s no feeling like it 👍
Twice in my life, I've stood by a man when he was in a severe legal situation and if I'd wanted to, I could have made these men's situations worse if I hadn't been in their corner. The first time, I'd only been dating the man a few weeks and he suddenly wanted to take me home to meet his mother after his crisis. The second time, I could have married this man if I wanted - even today, he tells me he still thinks about me all the time and regrets a past action of his that is why we are not a couple/married today. Some men seem to need to see you stand by them in a terrible crisis to know that they can trust you.
This man is giving terrible advise to have people who are secure attached and mentally stable to basically be the therapist and enabler to a toxic and damaged person. Hell naw!
Try youtube channel "The Crappy Childhood Fairy" I guarantee you'll get more clarity and helpful advise. Anna is a veteran of these messed up relationships and have expert advice from being associated with addiction and relationship therapy organizations for 30 years. She has a LARGE catalog of videos that showcase letters from people who are avoidants and others with childhood trauma that is often the root cause of why these folks are wreaking havoc on normal people and can't commit due to childhood neglect and alcoholic parents (her mother was a raging alcoholic). Childhood neglect causes Limerance, a state of mind of obession for people who is emotionally unavailable, causes side chick syndrome, and people's moral compase to be broken and accept friend with benefits situationships and married men as "normal" or "better than nothing". whew! Check her out - peace and blessing to you! 😎
I cant watch your video without fighting the urge to comb that hair of yours to one side Adam 😭😂😂 But i really really love and enjoy listening to you. 😊 Am greatful for your teachings i have really learned alot. You helped me understand someone who i was really confused about. Thankyou. Am an anxious attachment and am learning qnd teaching myself to be secure.❤
@@alexryan43244 if you go on Google you can type "attachment style test" and take a few free ones to make sure they are consistent with one another and accurate
I am so glad you explained this and it makes so much sense. I have an anxious attachment style and my ex is a dismissive avoidant. I've been watching videos on both styles, and everything I've viewed/heard about the anxious is me to a T. Wow! I have really been working to change to a secure attachment style, and listening to this video is going to help me see through the eyes of my avoidant ex 👀 👁. Yes, I ❤ him and I'm willing to try these suggestions to better our relationship. Once I can get him to open up, I will be sharing with him about the 4 different attachment styles and suggest that we both work with a coach. This video is truly an inspiration 🙌🏾 ✨️ 👏🏾 Thank you 🌹
This resonates with me. I believe my ex and I are both avoidant we just picked different battles to be distant on. He was the first and only person to ever feel like home to me. I even had a talk with my brother a while back and had mentioned I felt like all of my relationships (family included) are very superficial and serve a specific purpose for me. My ex was genuinely the only person who made sense to me and I wanted to let in. Now that I have found this piece of my puzzle, I feel like I have the tools and awareness to get to a thriving mindset but I think it might be too late for my partner and I. This was really something I wish I knew about last year before I pushed too hard and he never came back. Is there a way to find love when you feel like no one will ever meet the same peace of mind and conversational flow a previous partner gave you? I’m not even attracted to other people anymore and I have a hard time sleeping thinking I missed my future husband and best friend due to fear. Love your videos. Thank you for giving me some peace knowing I’ve found what has felt off my whole life.
Oh my god...I've never felt so seen. I need EXACTLY this in a relationship as a fearful avoidanat woman and it explains why I trust avoidant men more than anxious men because they approach me this way. This logic and transparency is everything.
I can see that what he needs is from Christ the Lord.... Christ gives love and peace that no one else can give, and it's better than any love a human can give another human. Without that love and peace, a partner cannot fill that tall order, unless the partner let's Christ be their soul source/mate of lasting love, peace, affirmation, compassion, suppport, and warmth in a relationship with any partner that is insecurely operating. Not many can walk the road of being the only secure adult in a relationship designed to be reciprocal to high levels.
This made me cry my eyez out !! I never heard anything like this in my life. You have opened my eyez and my heart and now I have hope .. thank you so much!
You just described - to a T - my 39 year long marriage to my husband!!! I lost him to Covid in 2020 sadly, and I miss him terribly!! I always refer to him as perfect!
I'm deeply sorry for your loss, Cathy. It sounds like you shared a beautiful and cherished bond with your husband. May his memory bring you comfort and strength during this difficult time.
I think this is great advice. As the anxious one in my relationship, it also helped me see some areas where I've been lacking in my own self improvement. For those in the comments saying it didn't work with their avoidant person, keep in mind that there's a lot at play in every relationship, and this will only be helpful if they genuinely want a future with you. Maybe they don't right now, maybe they won't again ever. Sometimes people stay with us out of convenience, even if the relationship is chaotic.
From what I remember, Adam recommends friendships as a way to start healing insecure attachment. He has videos on how to form healthy friendships here on his channel
Sad that there's so many of us who are single and we offer this harmonious way of being but we are trying to find a peaceful man. So many hurt people in the world unfortunately :(
I understand everything you said & agree with most of it. You want to be his safe place, you want to convey positive energy only. However, the part which doesn't convince me about thia video is "imagine you meet someone who tells you what their needs are clearly from the beginning & how to meet them" Ok, I did but then he didn't put any efforts trying to meet my "reasonable needs" - cause avoidants do not really worry about other people's needs WHICH IS THE MAIN ISSUE. What shall I do then ?
I’m posting this for my dear friend who cannot be exposed. “I swear to God, I am understanding, supportive, respectful, appreciative, give regular affirmation, space, have my own life/friends/interests, earn my own money and according to your guidance, I should have this all figured out….but we’ve been married over 20 years and I’ve created an environment where I am taken for granted. I have no clout. We’re just roommates. Now what?”
I think this is an interesting discussion - should we just not date these men or should we try to use these tools first? As a woman who was matched by a professional matchmaking company to an incredibly brilliant CEO British man, he fits all these parameters. Now, should I just let him continue to spiral and date the wrong women or should I equip myself with this tool kit and try to partner with him? I think every case may be different but it’s a neat discussion and discourse to be had by women. I am grateful that there is a forum to learn about this information and I think Dr. ALS is really progressive in the way he’s presenting this
@@AttachmentAdam Quite negatively (to say the least). The main reason as to why I have barely gotten involved with any women nowadays, is because I see constant risks. Especially, since I have a lot to lose economically (one divorce or false MeeToo-allegation would ruin me financially and socially) and don't want to end up like my dad, who -after his remarriage - ceased all contact with me and my siblings as well. Just because of that mean-spirited, narcissistic, woman. Plus, I would never, ever feel comfortable talking about my past to any woman that I'm romantically involved with. If I would so at all, because I have also deep insecurities about sex and everything around it. When it comes to friends and acquaintances, I have a few close friends but can't talk to them about above-mentioned problems (as they're even more inexperienced than me, plus they are committed to their religion while I'm quite secular with regards to religion). Since I'm a quite public figure in certain circles, I also feel very uncomfortable talking about personal issues with any of them, as my gut tells me they can't be trusted with keeping a secret. My closest family on the other hand (siblings, mother and nephews), I have a very good relationship with, but certain things I can't even talk with them about as I have felt too ashamed telling certain things, although I certainly know they wouldn't judge or ridicule me for it. Excuse me for the long reply, but this is pretty much how my entire adult life has looked life (I'm now 36 years old).
How long should someone be waiting to see if patience and constistant love will actually pay off? Because one the one hand, I really do want him to see and feel that he can trust me and my behavior, but on the other hand if it takes him 10 years to realize that, I don't think my mental health will survive 😂 Thank you for your channel, it's very informative !
Try youtube channel "The Crappy Childhood Fairy" I guarantee you'll get more clarity and helpful advise. If a man can't or won't show up for the relationship, he either has a girlfriend or wife, or is just not into you is what i've always noticed. My hubby was 20 when he proposed to me and did not take me through hell and back just to emotionally connect with him, it was EASY not traumatic! peace and love, hope you move on to a great guy who reciprocates!
The HOW TO LOVE AN AVOIDANT MAN video course is now available!
If you want to learn to build a fulfilling lifelong relationship with the man you love, and help him understand and cherish you in return, pick up your copy right now and write a happy ending to your love story! adamlanesmith.com/how-to-love-an-avoidant-man/
Just purchased!
This is fantastic.
Thank you, Adam!
@@nakitanash That's wonderful to hear! Thank you for your support. Now go get your avoidant back and enjoy the journey together!
I’m in the middle of the course, and I love it. I’m going to need to watch a few times, aspecialy the 4 levels of trust and the what, why, how many times method. But I really had to share this with you: I’ve already been applying a lot of what you share in your youtube videos already, and already noticed many changes. Yesterday I got my hair changed (not a big change but significant enough) and while he was driving, out of absolutely NOWHERE he told me I was really beautiful. Do you know how many years I haven’t heard that? It was so awesome, I had to fight to contain my hapiness. I just said « i’m really glad you like it, I also like what the hairdresser did with my hair » and we continued on another subject. Adam, you are changing our lives for the best. Thank you so much. So excuse me while I’m going straight back to the How to love an avoidant man course 😂❤️❤️❤️
18:12 “secretly watching this” made me smile because I was going to type, “today I learned I’m an avoidant.” But, yes, these steps would help. Thank you, Adam.
First time watching you. 👍
FIRST! That grown man needs professional mental health help!
Im a healed avoidant woman. The things that helped me open up:
Patience, Consistency, Truthful Communication, Stoicism (not being overly emotional), ask questions rather than being judgemental, saying you care rather than saying you love me, pulling back when i pull back.
Most women can heal better because they reflect and communicate a lot. Men are used to cope with everything on their own, they do not want to be vulnerable and talk their problems. So they carry them around without healing.
Everything they will not provide😂
I applaud you . 👏 I wish my ex could see through me I wasn't going to hurt him. I was secure and became anxious. Well I.wish I'd have found this avoidant relationship thing . I could have perhaps changed our course. I never new. I can't continue to be do severely and brutally wounded...if only ide known because I loved him more than I've ever loved. My health must come first.
The problem is: Others always have to adapt to you FIRST. There is no compromise. I am glad you healed, because living like that is unfair to others. You also need to do the work sometimes FIRST.
And what have you done to fill YOUR partner's needs?
That's what women want also: the ability to relax into a trusted and safe relationship❤
Absolutely! Thank you for pointing that out. Safety and security are crucial for a woman to feel close to her partner.
He is exhausting me mentally and emotionally. I do all youve stated. I even ask for clarity when he says what he desires of me. I still end up with half-assed, piss-poor communication from him..practically begging for quality time..its weird because he is willing to be physically intimate, but, doesnt "feel safe enough to open up because my ex was..........".😢im over it. I wanted to embark on a Journey with the man who was friendly and I could talk to him for hours about aliens, politics, science....now, Im gasping for air to get reciprocity. After being single for 4 years..I didnt expect this from an adult. He needs therapy, not a relationship. I feel like my Light is being dimmed by doing all the "heavy lifting" of the relationship alone.
All this for a man who is not your husband? if not, GET THE HELL OUTTA THERE MA'AM! He is liable to leave you for someone else and you have nothing to show for this relationship trauma. Pardon me for the harsh approach, you are wasting your time, he is not worth all this: he needs a therapist, not a doormat girlfriend with endless patience and nerves of steel. Is he avoidant when he needs/wants sexual intimacy? if not then he is playing you like a banjo and faking reasons to have you as a part-time lover. A mentally stable man is looking for a woman like you unless you feel you deserve him by something broken inside your mind and heart? I wouldn't think you do, please take my words with love and care as I have 6 older sisters and 1 had a married boyfriend who treated her the way your guy seems to be treating her. He also was physically abusive to her as well. Bless you and hope you find a satisfying outcome! 🙏
Let him go and move on as he is wasting your time. This sounds just like my ex. The one thing this video doesn't mention is how these kinds of avoidants love to do things solely at their own convenience and can purposely make deaf ears to their partners' requests. They will work you over so you do all the work while they chill and run from anything outside their small world. Most are highly resistant to change and will use you at their own convenience and certainly reciprocity is not there. A lot of weak promises stack up and you realise they talked a good game but simply do not want to try another way, are inflexible and exhausting because these types are incredibly stubborn and also rather passive aggressive to maintain control of the relationship, it's pacing and conditions are all based solely on their needs so you find true partnership isn't possible in spite of the strong emotional bond you may feel. It is fair to try your best but if you meet a very stubborn, passive aggressive, sulky yet makes big and unsolicited promises and raises your expectations-type of avoidant move on sooner rather than later. They are happy to waste people's time knowing full well the relationship will expire once you get tired. Then they can keep their hands clean because you are forced to wall away. Avoidants are very rooted in their ways and would sooner see you wall away than change, the ones who would never dare to address their problems by going to therapy, the ones who are happy to be set in their ways. Know the type you are dealing with and decide wisely before getting deeply entangled with this type.
They are just players😂
@@777-h6n Long and short of it when we simply take a step back from the BS😂 Thanks for the quick slap back to reality 👍
I'm glad I could help.😂 Well wishes!@JenSweetpea
Keep him guessing by marrying someone else 💯
lol
Yes
This comment right here!!!!
Amen! 👏 👏 👏 👏
😂😂😂 realest statement so far in 2024
I was dating this guy he had an avoidant attachment style. I got him to open up and I got to see so many sides to him everytime he showed me a different side he would run. He cried in front me once he said why are you so patient with me and why do I feel so comfortable around you. The more I watch your videos it all makes sense.
So you're his therapist. He's going to drain you.
Yes, mine as well, but then he closed again. Removed affection, got distanced again, relapsed with alcohol, raged, cheated... just a very sick individual. I could not fix him, now I have to fix my codependency.
See you’re trying to fix him I don’t try to fix men or change them. That’s not my responsibility. I also understand that you must create the space as well if I want to be heard I listen. When you in a relationship with someone it requires to have some level of patience. I don’t put myself in situations where I end up being a man therapist. Ive learned when a man wants to share something to shut up and listen. Especially when they don’t share that often. Everything he was saying I agree with because it works.
@@saltycat662Yes😂
@@Sarah-dn7edNever date broken men😊
I was rock solid safe and trustworthy for more than a decade. It did nothing.
Then obviously you weren't. You should have used the vaunted female "empathy" to discover just how little emotional support you were actually providing.
@@BenLWolfJesus, Ben....
@@blondscientist No, no. The correct term is Jesus Wept. And he did. And still does.
:(
@@BenLWolfWhat I don’t understand about men who are DETERMINED to despise every single woman on earth. Why not just leave us alone?? Why seek out interactions with us? If you think we are all inherently guilty by virtue of existing what do you want from interacting with us? Why not ACTUALLY “go your own way”??
I keep attracting avoidant people into my life because I'm avoidant myself. And when you realize this ladies and gentlemen...then you get to see yourself for the first time and realize you have the power to be happy and secure within yourself. ❤ Stop blaming other people look within. Take rest and refuge within yourself. That way you can attract a secure person and you can tell a walking red flag from miles away.
Very true !!
I just hit this level too. 😎 have you tried vagus nerve exercises yet? Holy crap, I don't even know the science behind what happened, but it was intense.
This sounds completely and utterly exhausting for the woman, and very one sided. You're asking the woman to be the perfect bloody mother! An impossibility and any woman out there reading this, do yourself a favour, don't buy into the behaviour, get on with your life, have hobbies and good friends and he'll soon get the message. This has come from years of pampering to men resulting in burn out and having a F*** this moment. My partner and I now have a good relationship and it was all down to leaving him in his cave and going out and enjoying my life. Nothing better than disappearing in front of the disappeared!
Because it is exhausting. This man is teaching women to walk on sharp eggshells and enjoy the process because in the end, maybe the guy keeps the girl.
It really does it both ppl worried about him the woman just gone fell drained and lost in him
THE WOMAN FROM ENGLAND OR GREAT BRITAIN I COULD TELL BY THE SPELLING OF FAVOR SHE'S A SPOT ON GREETINGS FROM KENTUCKY TRY HELPING THE POOR THE HOMELESS FAMILY MEMBERS NEIGHBORS COME ON NOW STOP WORRYING ABOUT THESE PODCAST PEOPLE TRY TO PUSH RELATIONSHIPS ON PEOPLE AND MARRIAGE IT'S NOT FOR EVERYBODY GOD CREATED EVERYBODY DIFFERENTLY DRESS MODESTLY ESPECIALLY IT'S A BIG PROBLEM IN THE USA OKAY WOMEN JUST VERY PROVOCATIVELY THEN THEY COMPLAIN ABOUT BEING ABUSED PHYSICALLY YOU KNOW AND EMOTIONALLY THEY'RE ATTRACTING THE WRONG KINDS OF MEN BY LOOKING LIKE THIS AND BEHAVING WORLDLY OKAY IT'S IT'S THE BOTTOM LINE I DON'T CARE IF PEOPLE GET OFFENDED BY MY COMMENTS IT'S THE GOD'S HONEST TRUTH STOP TRYING TO CATER TO MEN OKAY LIFE IS NOT ABOUT THIS ALL RIGHT WOMEN SHOULD BE TAUGHT TO BLOOD THEMSELVES THEY HAVE YOUR OWN LIFE TRAVEL YOU KNOW HELP THE POOR AND THE HOMELESS MY GOSH GET OFF THESE PODCASTS THIS GUY DOESN'T KNOW WHAT HE'S TALKING
@@Samadhicat I lived like this, I am still in the marriage but I am burnt out from implementing all that he say's in this video for years, It left me empty and depressed.
@@NichelleLC I know that feeling, I've been there. For me, I realised that the person simply didn't want to do the necessary changes for us be in alignment. You see, at the end, it's really a matter of wanting or not wanting. In relationships we are just a person wanting, but the other needs to want it too. Nowadays, everyone is so damaged that it seems that we need to have a PhD in Psychology in order to fix the other. No, we don't need that and we must stand against this courses, the magic pill how they sell, that is going to fix relashionships. Adults must have and accept their on stuff, and be responsible, that's it. I believe in love and in relationships between people that want to be in relationships. I believe in being with someone that allows me to be me. I've been in relationships, romantic and friendship, with avoindts for years. And I everything I could in my power to show that I'm trust worthy. It wasn't enough and it was going to be enough. And after years and years of trying, they took off like nothing we did in pass mattered. So no, no more walking on sharp egg shells for me, and a lot of empathy for avoindts. I'm sorry they are missing On Life. Peace for Nichelle on your journey 💕
It's honestly criminal that your channel isn't bigger. Every men should be watching this!
He needs to be on loop in Times Square, CNN, all the news channels!
Thank you for your incredibly kind words! I'm thrilled to hear that you find my content valuable. Your support means the world to me! 🌟
i just got so upset with him for not caring bout my needs being met. being in love with an avoidant was a one way street. unreciprocated love felt like unrequited love. he ended it a week ago and it makes no sense why im so uspet.
@@CandleBB Thank you for teaching another man the valuable lesson that 304s aint loyal.
It isn’t the men that need to watch… it’s the women that needs to watch and do it. Men have a reason why we feel like this. The biggest thing that needs to be addressed is when he still says, “no”. Then she’ll reveal who she really is and that all that is learned from women from what he teaches how she can manipulate him.
Be there for them, all the time. but the moment you go through trauma, and need them to step up, theyll disappear. Cool.
Exactly! Fuuuck that
This is the craziest shxt I've seen in a while. These MEN were poorly raised and have done ZERO self work, but as a woman you are to take ON HIS healing as a part the relationship. This is some next level mind fukery.
Not only do they disappear but they often lack empathy for you. You end up being alone in a relationship, constantly pouring into someone else who can't reciprocate.
Yes, exactly! And especially in the case of mine, which is betrayal trauma. My avoidant husband hid his pornography/sex addiction for 20 years. So now that I’ve been traumatized by it, he’s become even more avoidant.
Exactly, it’s madness
I did all these things. Set clear boundaries and expectations. Reacted positive when my friend did. Asked for their needs, expectations. Always had complete patience when they pulled away, and supported them when they felt uncomfortable. But it shifted the dynamic more and more into a space where I was giving and they were taking. And it took only ONE misstep - one time getting angry because my repeated boundaries were broken - for them to walk away forever. I invested too much time in Avoidants to try again. Why exactly am I the one doing so much work and giving so much grace when they keep looking for my faults? I'm not sure what I'm getting out of that deal.
I dated avoidants who expressed great interest in me, but once their game starts, it's a nightmare. Avoidant behavior nearly destroyed me. I used to be anxious but recently tested to have a secure attachment style. One thing I can say Avoidants will f#&k you up. I learned.
Thank you for sharing your experience. I'd love to hear more from you, what was the game or nightmare that they start?
You have to stay in a mind of ok cool say less or idgaf to capture him, once you care wayyyyyy to much you start nagging complaining … so they run when you don’t care they stay forever because your not attached… be patient when they know most ppl leave… they wanna see how long your gonna stay
They express great interest in you, then disappear 😂
@@teanna4569crazy shit😂
@@777-h6n i showed a fearful avoidant some love and affection… omg he was soooo shocked and but liked it and scared at the same time, I could te he wasn’t use to getting or giving this type of treatment it was almost alien 👽 to him, but that’s what his been craving and he doesn’t let ppl get close to him like that, he said he felt free iam like wow what type of woman are used to dealing with… smh most men crave affection but fear it because that don’t want someone getting that close to them because it comes with risk, but he lets me cuddle him and give him affection
I get it. They get to stay avoidant but we need to become secure. Okaaay
I get where you're coming from, but the ultimate goal is for both partners to work on their attachment. When one partner becomes secure, it creates a safe environment for both and builds deeper connection and trust in the relationship. Make sense?
Le Gasp! You have to do... No.. do not let me say it! Your feminine ears may burst into flame! ... Dare I? Oh ... I suppose this one I dare. You'd have to do WORK! *distant thunderclap*
Becoming secure isn't for anyone else but yourself. If you want a healthy, long-standing relationship where you and your partner are interdependent, becoming secure is the best option. Being secure attached allows you to have better bonds in all areas of life, not just romantic relationships. So don't look at it like your doing it for another person, because it's not going to work and you will see it as giving up part of yourself for another (which isn't healthy), look at it as a part of yourself that you are ready to heal "change" for your future self. You will, in no doubt, attract a more secure person, and through this transition, you will have the correct tools to navigate through any situations that aren't a good match for you.
@@kylahyland7048 You cannot heal a relationship issue WITHOUT a relationship, dear. Good luck with your plan, however.
He needs a therapist! Not a partner. A partner can’t be that and continue to be abused by him. Ok if you’re stuck in a marriage, yes do all this. But if you have a choice - DO NOT ENTER THIS RELATIONSHIP. Danger ahead!
Holy shit this explains everything for me. Me and my husband lived this without even knowing it. At first we fought some times when we first dated but then we worked toward being friends and then later best friends. And over time we discovered that we got along so well we grew to love each other slowly. It took 6 years to get to where we are today and been married for one year. And we are really happy.
Girl you've only been married a year. Just you wait. That man is going to torment you. Dating for 6 years is already a huge red flag unless you began dating when you were both really young.
I really think your trolling, I’m sorry but not everything online is true
@@theinvisogirl2520 I'm with you. I am happy you are finding your safe happy place with each other!
Good for you I'm so happy. Sadly not for me. I would have made his life happier. I'm not a door mat
If only it were so, Adam. Many of us here have done what you suggest... we have tried to show our avoiding partner the love caring and understanding you discuss here. You said that you have help for the avoidant in some videos and I will look for them. After everything I've been through relationships with 2 avoidants in a row, this is what I have learned: An avoid MUST know that he is an avoidant. Only then can he begin to see the sabotaging patterns that have emerged in his life. No amount of understanding by a partner is going to fix and avoidant. They have to fix themselves. That means counseling and a lot of self-reflection. Please don't ask us to do all the work. There's not a magic bullet coming from non avoidant partner's directions. I would love it if you would come up with a video to send to the avoidant to open his eyes so that he can start to heal.
Completely agree. It's hard to always be the one that brings chaos to their lives, instead of them accepting that they need to also step up to heal themselves.
A video for them to see without getting triggered will be of great help.
I was that person. Now I'm as avoidant as he was. The rug was pulled out so quickly, right when I relaxed and believed he would stay.
Everything you describe happened. Including giving me a speech about how wonderful I am and he didn't expect to find someone like me. But he dumped me, instead of opening up, because he said I deserved better than him. Now I can't bring myself to lend that support to anyone, because all I see is someone who is going to take from me and break my heart again.
They are manipulative. I nearly died my soul was almost murdered. A d I was a SECURE WOMEN BEFORE HIM.
Imagine being a woman who has never experienced true safety. I totally get this whole video. Men aren't the only ones who, from no fault of their own, yearn for this feeling in a relationship. I find that men who are avoidant types like myself, lack any sense of self-awareness and come off quite the opposite as highly defensive individuals who have no clue why they can't trust others in relationships. In other words, they're clueless about attachment styles, let alone that feeling safe is what they lacked growing up.
Thank you for making these educational videos that help both men and women reflect and grow towards change in ourselves as opposed to (us) expecting others to meet needs we sometimes aren't aware we even have.
Hope this made sense.
It makes sense ❤
“Trying to be fair, in a world that’s unfair to them.” That’s definitely a key takeaway. I never thought about myself possibly being an avoidant, but that quote may just make me rethink that possibility.
Me & my partner are BOTH Dissmissive Avoidant… I have to say this is very true for both of us. Me as a woman and he as a man. We try hard to be kind & patient with each other & learn as much as we can about our attachment styles…. & try to help each co-regulate. We’re eachother’s emotional support humans ☺️
❤️
If it works then it works ❤
This is all truth.. been battling a world that wants me to stay small for 43 years.. always just looking for a girl to say "it's me and you against the world, babe".. and we'd be unstoppable.
I'm a little late learning about this attachment thing. Ethical disorganized avoidant.
Thank you for giving me the vocabulary I needed to mitigate any future harm to others. I keep trying and failing.
Wow Adam! You did the dang thing. I love how you really appeal to our empathy in this one. LADIES: treasure his words. I would even add that many of us who have big hearts truly believe that we are trying to appeal to our men and be sweet and soft. But please pay attention to the way you communicate. I thought I was being sweet And simply stating my needs. But I was actually criticizing and complaining. Now every time he does what I do want. I tell him how much I love it and I take the time out to admire his many strengths and what he does for me. It doesn't just help him. It helps me. It helps me to focus on the great man that he is And appreciate his masculine qualities. Also what Adam said about marriage: THEY WILL MARRY!! But yes they analyze risk. My fiance ghosted the girl before me when she tried to say I love you. Interestingly, the one story he will tell me about her is when she yelled at him when he needed to bring some work home. A few months later we met and within a matter of 2 months we were saying I love you and he, although promising himself he would never ever ever get married again, actually told me that he would marry me. Here. We are a year and a half later and just months away from such a sacred and beautiful vow. My point though is that he explained to me that I was truly kind, that I didn't yell at him and nag him the way other women do and instead I was always researching information and doing what I could to understand him and how he is. And I let him watch TV and play video games. 😂😂 Don't get me wrong. I have anxious attachment and I do make my needs known. But even if you apply the principles taught by Adam and others about attachment, you will start to see results. One other thing, my fiance is truly a good man. He is very respectful and polite and consistent. If you're longing for an avoidant man that is not ethical, do yourself a favor. Move along and love yourself. Respect is just a minimum.
Hehehe... Empathy. It's cute you ladies still think you have that.
@@BenLWolf you don't?
@@LindseyGarcia0918 Lemme put it this way.. there's a reason our gender isn't behind 90% of divorce.
Well that just makes me sad. I noticed that you generalized women by saying "you ladies". I noticed that you were sarcastic. And now I'm going to show empathy for you. You've probably had more than your share of experiences in life that have helped form your beliefs. And I'm sure your comment came from a place of pain because I don't doubt that you're intelligent and know very well that there are both ethical men and ethical women left in this world as well as the opposite. I do have to admit that I took your comment personally at first as I have put my heart and soul into my loved one and I carry a lot of pride in being the one that he has chosen after so much betrayal and abuse in his life. My comment was quite long so you probably didn't get through it all, but had you read it all you would see the effect that my empathy and love has had on him as well as the effect he has on me. I hope that you experience this and maybe just maybe there's a lady that will capture your heart and help you believe again. 🤍
@@LindseyGarcia0918 Oooo! oo! here it comes! the "performative empathy". Yes, yes. Go on with your bad self girl. Totally jill off to your own power. You're so awesome and wonderful and pristine.
Imagine you make it that easy and they still ghost you. 🥺
I was with someone ghosting me and ignoring my text I Say i respect my self and others so I go to move on good Luck 😅 great freedome now
Well thatsnhow u know it wasn't meant to be
Exac😂tly
I did all of them sadly. I'm now trying to heal. I loved him dearly. He hurt me so bad.
One might think that the best match for an avoidant is another avoidant. But that’s not the case, is it? It seems like you are describing a one-sided relationship where the secure partner does all the work to make the avoidant feel safe, not mentioning how rare this clear and concise communication style is. It sounds almost enabling, rather than encouraging the avoidant to challenge their thoughts and beliefs through cognitive reframing. And all it takes is one false move by the secure partner to cause this hall of cards to come tumbling down again.
Yes! One mistake. 😂
Yep, thats because all this adam lame guy cares about is pumping out content for the anxious/secure folk to earn a quick buck because avoidants dgaf about working on themselves. Seen a few of his videos, disingenuous person.
For me as a woman I will feel like I’m dating a child. It’s frustrating for women to have to patycake a man. At some point we loose ourselves, we are doing the emotional work for both of us..
Yes and we end up being their mothers and then they do not feel attracted to us anymore. What an avoidant needs is somebody even more avoidant to wake up maybe. But not a kind, loving, understanding doormat.
First question that comes to my
Monday is what on earth drew you to these men in the first place and why do you stay with him?!? It’s bizarre to me - learn how to be content single and stop getting into these types of relationships
Keep him guessing forever by you marrying secure attachment person and enjoy your life 😌
Yep and avoid toxic narcissistic men at any cost. Better to be single
that's mean
@@Daneiladams555 thatsblife ...we weak ones will be killed by stringer people one day
👌😂
@@Daneiladams555No! It’s reality. Never date broken men!
Problem with finding out and meeting the needs of DAs is that it brings about emotional closeness in the relationship which scares the DA and they revert to finding fault and nitpicking their partner, pushing them away. Would like to hear from DAs themselves if their partner meeting their needs has actually helped to bring them to a point of feeling safe and connecting with their partner.
As an ethical. Avoidant it helped me that she met my needs in our happy period. When slowly she started demanding more intimacy was when I started to distance myself. Then she got even less, whined more about it, I felt even more suffocated, pushed into a corner. It’s the nagging, demanding , prying , forcing, emotional manipulation that makes me want to run for the hills. Avoidants look like pushing more and more frantically a door that has a sticker that says: pull. They just so entangled in their Own emotions, that they fail to notice , and read:PULL.
I don’t understand how I am so hyper vigilant, and had such intense early life, domestic violence, trauma, and still not be avoidant…like it’s the reverse.
I feel like I am championing people who did not get up and fight back like I did.
Pushing back hard on ignorance, not letting people I love be overpowered by the evil around them…
It's remarkable that you've channeled your early life experiences into becoming a strong advocate for others. Not everyone responds to trauma in the same way, and your resilience and determination to fight back have shaped you differently. How do you find balance in protecting others while also taking care of your own well-being?
@@AttachmentAdam Not the person the question was asked to, but sharing a similar experience. I'ld say it's about a diminued sens of the self and one's own interest, and a greater emphasis on what people are rather than what might take from us. Thus am I ready to "pay to see" the other one's hand, aka what he's all about inside, ready to get burned without grudge. It leads to selflessness and a rather great(er) ethical attitude and leadership capability through exemple and dedication.
The very sad part though, the thing that stings at night, is that I totally get and believe the rational behind the avoidant I did not became, but rather seek to heal on others. I admire their drive and though hypervigil myself, I feel ashamed to not be as efficient. It feels to me than, rather than moving up from a bad hand, I dampened it by making it a choice and a trait of personality. I feel willingly blinded by Nietzsch's slave morality, unable to move past the feeling that allowing myself to love is the better choice, yet still feeling diminished by it. I'm the one that keeps suffering while those I love can move around breaking things without consequences, having more ressources to allocate to their own success.
I'ld very much hear your though about that. In a sens, I suspect I became anxious rather than avoidant, and paid a steeper price.
I partially agree but it takes 2 to tango. The avoidant also needs to make an effort, work on his patterns and also accomodate the differences and imperfections of their partner because they can't always carry the whole weight of the relationship and completely adapt and accomodate his every need. Everyone has an off day sometimes and you can't be someone's peace, consistency and security 24/7 if they don't even give you any consistency and security because of their patterns... The avoidant needs to try hard to show up in a safe and consistent way as well!
Seriously.
Very well said ❤❤❤❤
Exactly!
Listen Adam, I’ve done all these things , I’m very easy going and fun, but this man won’t commit, I’m
Not forcing anyone to act in unnatural ways to please me, I left I’m in peace ✌️
I'm happy to hear you know your value regardless of his actions or behavior.
@@purplebutterfly314 A broken person can't fix another broken person, dear.
@@purplebutterfly314 I agree cuz it’s dammed if you do dammed if you don’t, if you met me I’m the most prettiest easy going down to earth, great sex good conversation, pleasant engaging personality, calm and collected a scientist in a laboratory, smart intellectual, we like each other always spend time together, u know what happened all these attributes even pushed him further away because he’s now unlocked the abandonment fear, I can’t do anything right! So I gave up, I hate nagging people it tires me so when I see people ways I give them their space to act accordingly because it’s their life to live !!!
@@BenLWolflol easy to dump on ppl. Come i welcome u to see my burns and scars. She is right if she dsnt want to get into this.
@@ld921i stand by you sister ❤
Wow, this is the first time I’ve heard this perspective on an avoidant outside of why they are avoidant. Bravo, this video provides a framework on how to think outside yourself with an avoidant to increase harmony in the relationship. You painted a picture of what a day is like for an avoidant.
Yes! Be his peace and he uses u and leave you!!!!!
Like everything is about men!!!
As an avoidant man, one thing for sure you got right is "asking about context." Sometimes I feel something I did, or said, is taken wrong, and I'm accused of hurting my partner. And if I explain why I did what I did, showing I had no bad intention, I'm usually accused of "being defensive." And I understand people are free to feel the way they do, and I apologize, I ask how to make up for it... but assumption of motive, that's where I go "I didn't do that to hurt you, I'm sorry that it did hurt you..." and a fight occurs, and I don't understand why. I wouldn't assume someone did something setting out to hurt me... So...asking about context, that just seems so important, and so overlooked.
Get your emotional problems solved before getting into a relationship, nobody needs to deal with your problems, you need to fix yourself before trying to be with someone. Is not fair to the partner who needs to deal with your emotional issues. Get therapy and maybe someday you can try again when you're healthy, that's the best for you too, so many breakdowns because you really aren't prepared for a relationship YET.
I understand where you’re coming from. I have an avoidant personality too, but depending on the person I can shift it, but I’m definitely avoidant with friends to an extreme and I’ve had people get mad at me too I would suggest saying I’m sorry I hurt you. It wasn’t my intention. I just needed space because of etc. that was going on with me personally , * insert your details and context,
The key is that I said I’m sorry”i” hurt you not:
I’m sorry that “ it “ hurt you
Do you see how the first one takes responsibility personally, where the second one is still kind of doing a little bit of blame shifting and cold shoulder behavior? Trust me I get it. I do the same thing!
If you are with a person who believes you want to hurt them, then that person is not right for you. The first step towards a healthy relationship should be trust that we’re in this together, not you against me. I’m sorry you are in this situation.
@@Valentina.MontanoYou sound angry.
@@LdAmaro71 I think you are romanticizing mental illnesses and reading a common sense argument against codependency it sounds aggressive to you because for you this should be the partner sacrificing themselves for an avoidant, which is just ridiculous and doesn't resolve any problem, it only causes new mental problems for both parts in the relationship.
Thank you for your video.
The conversation is much deeper though, and doesn’t take in consideration the trauma that caused years long wounds .
Even though you might not be in front a manipulator, often the trauma causes abusive behaviors, and no matter how much “fair treatment” you offer, no matter how “unicorn” you are, it’s very rare to find a man that will actually appreciate what you’re doing for him, in terms of what you explained here.
It’s like trying to feed caviar to someone who only fed himself with fast food. They don’t have the capability to appreciate it, even if they wanted it.
Trauma changes human nature, and self awareness in these cases is the hardest obstacle .
I speak from a four years long experience. I understood and grew myself, in the effort of understanding another human being, but the defense mechanisms are too embedded, and the generosity and flexibility you offer is often taken advantage of.
There’s never fairness in such a relationship, and it decays, instead of improving, because the securely attached partner is taken for granted, and expected to be the “giver”, reliantly.
Tbh doesn't sound like a secure attached person is sounds like the anxious person. Over-giving is a thing one needs to cut back on, determine own limitations and where to draw the line, or decide that it's unconditional love and have no expectations of anything in return. I could be wrong but that's how I understand about the anxious style.
Adam lane, the avoidant whisperer
Love the sound of that!
Wow! I cannot thank you enough for this video. Most of the videos on avoidants are very negative. This is a real eye opener, maybe I should say "heart opener". I thought I understood him but there are still some things that I just didn't get. It's very clear to me now. I feel like crying. Again- much appreciation and respect for you.
I am a “information snob” and I am picky on who I follow and listen to. You are fantastic!!! True and easy to understand and digest information! I loved it and I’m craving more info!!!
I'm a guy, and you described me and my ideal relationship perfectly
Wow! This is interesting that you talk about safety, as this very morning, my avoidant SO, who is opening up gradually, was saying how the word safety and security come up each time he thinks of his needs. I am very happy that I do exactly as you recommend: clearly express my expectations and enquire about his. As security and safety come up a lot. I am his safe place, his peace.
We try to keep an open communication, and it works great. We are in love with deep friendship vibes.with him, I learned that love is acceptance, and it starts from within. Each one is responsible for becoming more aware to be a better person. Now, I really get the powerful saying, " because I love you, I love me. Because I love me, I love you" ❤
Thank you beyond words for your videos ❤
Beautifully put!
Stop accepting the emotionally challenged. You are better.
Love,
A woman who has not yet escaped the emotionally challenged
We are the emotionally challenged we need to heal first
"Physicians, heal yourselves."
This info was a love hero. Saved my relationship. I found these vids and used the lil methods suggested that worked. The other video gave exact words and insite. Brilliant. It was exactly what I used and it really saved us. He was hoping I would get him. I did not and he grew disappointed in me. When I started saying his language...the romance and attention came rushing back. I have strict rules he must follow to prevent same old habits. We have set consequences for rule breaking. I don't put time on what he don't do. I let him know only when something needs to be noted. If I don't get... Its because I did not ask. I now have the tools to ask and I get all I ask for.
Your video good sir hit the nail on the head. I have never heard anything more clearer and what exactly sounds like me. This is crazy. I am a Marine Corps veteran and it feels like such a relief to hear what you are saying.
Thank you so much! This information is so incredibly valuable, I have been dating a guy off and on now for 14 years!..but every time he has always ended up pushing me away! I am so grateful to be finely learning the skills to help him feel safe with me and be able to settle.💗
Never knew that there was a definition for the way I distance myself from the woman I'm dating until she gives me all the right reasons to trust her.
But, you really still don't trust her fully, do you?
Are you trustworthy? Or do you just expect others to be trustworthy?
This video is awesome! Life changing work for an anxious-avoidant woman… learning this about my potential partner equips me and empowers me. I can try this and if it doesn’t work, I can walk. At least now, I have information and tools
You’re awesome, Dr ALS
Thank you so much, glad it was helpful!
Don’t waste your time with avoidant men -you basically need to be a doormat with a career and have zero needs for them to be happy and they will still value you and most likely cheat.
Superb❤
Yes I moved on too 😊❤ no Time to waste
Exactly. Secure people truly leave. Only way it ever sticks is if you sacrifice yourself and bend to their life like a pretzel bc they are not going to meet you halfway. It’s miserable
^yeah, go away.
Spot on! I have to feel relaxad and true to myself in order to help my avoidant darling to be able to trust me and open himself up! Love you! ❤️
Wow, first time I feel understood, by this man, and myself, I turn to the comments hoping for some support and theres just rejection. Thanks everyone 💔 I'm not a bad person. Been in pain all my life and trying to mitigate the pain I cause to others and they cause to me, so I live in the periphery because I know there's more to feel, I just can't access it. Man I was hoping the comments had a community of understanding, feel pretty despondent now.
I am a hopeful woman in love with an avoidant man. I have adhd, anxiety, ocd and a little asd (socialization is hard for me). I am extremely self aware and have worked hard on my mental health and trying to understand myself and why I do what I do. I am much softer, much more patient, secure with myself, trustworthy, loyal, and I love him with all my heart. He loves me too, I do know this. But it scares him to feel that much love I think and he tried to sabotage us but I’m an overexplainer 😂 I am often misunderstood so I’m a rare case I think lol. I am an anxious person but I don’t think I have a very anxious attachment style anymore after being a single mom for 3+ years and I just learned it’s not worth feeling like it’s the end of the world, I have been through a lot because of my trusting nature and because I care but I come off as cold to alot of people for some reason…I use to chase bad. Now I have to make myself pull back but still be there and remind him that I am still here and love him.
I think I have always been attracted to avoidant men but I didn’t know what that was.
I was with one for 10 years before he left me and another for 6 years before he left. I have always made it clear that if they leave me, they will not come back that we can come to an understanding and grow through anything.
To be fair they both left cuz they respected me enough not to cheat on me since they had seen me express how deeply it hurts me to even imagine cheating. I think cheating is the most disrespectful thing you can do to someone…
This guy I’m in love with has been with me on and off for the last 3 years and we still have such strong feelings for each other which just freaks him out without me even doing anything lol I love him so much and the hurt he feels when he’s upset over something that was completely taken out of contex and he made much more than it was at all makes me feel his love and it just melts away any harsh feeling I feel. I am still hurt by the lack of trust sometimes and him being distant and closed off but I love him more after I felt his hurt from his heart. It just makes me love him that much more.
So, have faith and trust that someone is out there who can love you that way you have never felt loved! I love him that way and I know someday he will believe it without a doubt. 😊
Not everyone, I get you 😁. I’m deeply in love with an avoidant,and I can see how much he cares about me. I can feel his struggle with me. He leaves and returns on repeat but the times he’s gone are shortening massively, I think that’s because I let him, without being angry or upset about it, and I’m really not. I knew what I was getting myself into. I knew what my options were. I have to fully take him as he comes or be prepared for a world of hurt. He’s fully worth it. For the right woman, you will be too
You really know what you are talking about and are saying a lot of truth!
Thank you for your kind words! I'm glad you found the information helpful. What has resonated with you the most?
The problem was that I was that one person for him, but then he just invited his extremely toxic ex right into our relationship and started emotionally cheating on me with her. She doesn't want a romantic relationship with him, she barely even wants him in her life, she only keeps him around so that she can use him. I couldn't continue being a calm beacon in that environment. I had to protect myself... so I left. Now he just has another reason to be avoidant I guess, because he thinks people always leave
If you're avoidant try looking at your own behavior in the relationship. Were you inviting chaos into the relationship or were they... because chances are it may have been you
Crazy love triangle😂
@@777-h6n Definitely lol. I've never experienced anything like it!
@creatureofstyle It's better you left. My new friend started showing some strange signs but I never heard of attachment styles but quickly determined he is an avoidant. He's a player too. Biggest sign was talking about his ex and other girls early on. He is just a friend thankfully nothing more. No way I was falling for all that crazy😂
I spent 23 years supporting a DA. I worked around his every whim. I pulled him out of hundreds of episodes and depressions. I burntout, got sick and he left me, ill, unable to work with no home and a son in college. He has distanced himself completely from me and our son. I have offered to support him if he gets help. He has refused. Ive tried everything and now im trying to heal and detach. I feel so used.
I’m really sorry you’ve had to go through that. Now that you're trying to heal and detach, what strategies or tools have been helpful?
Please know that you can reach out to me any time - I'd love to help you figure out your next steps as you move forward. We can create a clear action plan so you have a sense of direction. My email is support@adamlanesmith.com
I believe I have behaved in this trusted, non-pressured way, but some people are just too entrenched in their maladaptive, avoidant coping mechanisms. At some point, you have to set a boundary and leave the possibly of a healthy, romantic relationship in favor of your own mental well-being and time. It is bittersweet. I recall feeling as though I was attempting to befriend and provide a safe space for a stray animal.
Adam you are amazing!! Greetings from Toronto Canada 🇨🇦
Hey, thank you so much for your kind words!
I’m so sick of so many broken people it’s getting ridiculous annoying and pathetic how so many people want to be coddled! 🤮
It looks like the world it's governand by adult toddlers.
AMEN 😁🙏 GREETINGS FROM THE STATE OF KENTUCKY IN THE US CULTURE IS VERY TOXIC AND VERY VIOLENT IT'S A MESS HERE IT'S NOT LIKE WHAT IT USED TO BE A WOMEN JUST VERY PROVOCATIVELY THEN COMPLAIN ABOUT THE OUTCOME MEN AND ARE TAUGHT TO BE VERY NARCISSISTIC AND SELFISH AND A FEW WOMEN AS OBJECTS BEAUTY IS IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER BY THE WAY AND ALSO SO WOMEN SHOULD NOT BE CATERING HOW EXHAUSTING I MEAN WOMEN NEED TO BE TAUGHT WE NEED TO TEACH OUR CHILDREN TO LOVE THEMSELVES AND BE OKAY ALONE AND HELP OTHERS BE THE DIFFERENCE BE THE GOOD TYPE OF PEOPLE IN THE US UNLIKE THE MAJORITY IT'S GOT TO BE REALLY BAD HERE AND IT'S JUST REALLY QUITE DISGUSTING AND MEN ARE VERY ABUSIVE IT'S REALLY IT'S VERY DISTURBING AND THE WAY WOMEN SOME OF THE WOMEN DRESS THE SECULAR WOMEN YOU KNOW THEY DON'T REALIZE THAT IS NOT BEING EMPOWERED BY DRESSING AND BEING PROVOCATIVE ONCE AGAIN YOU CAN THANK THE CULTURE OF THE EVIL MEDIA OF THE SECULAR MINDSET
Dont have children then
😂
You are doing wonderful work in the world, Adam. I wish you were around when I was a young woman and in love with an avoidant man. But you're here now, and your work is very valuable to me and so many others.
Yes @divinetimeastology I too am incredibly grateful.
I'm crying, because I want that connection so bad. I value your videos, especially on this topic, but it's so hard to start. I have anxiety traits, and sometimes I think I have disorganized attachment, so I'm already fearful about "making a move" on him (avoidant). Going to watch this again, and write things down. Thank you again, Adam 🙏
Please consider going through my new course. It will really help! adamlanesmith.com/how-to-love-an-avoidant-man/ you can learn all about it here.
This would be a good crash course in what to do as next steps, and why.
Don't!! Work on yourself instead.
first work on yourseld as patiently as you would do it on him❤
Pray
Read the Bible
Holy crap .... game changing video right here.
Thanks, you're worth your weight in gold, my friend.
I'm so glad this video resonated with you! It's always rewarding to hear that my content is having a positive impact.
So, what specific aspects of the video were most game-changing for you?
@AttachmentAdam the having to be the best possible version of yourself info, you explaining what they're thinking then being able to explain what the person enduring them is going through.
I was listening to this while trying to find the right supportive words to text to the man I love.
Your points on how to talk so they understand, worked beautifully in just one text.
He's worth it, but holy shit, is it hard work lol
You're right, the chick has to be settled, understand and regulate herself... and communicate straight away, directly.
I could go on and on ... this video is going to be a rewatcher for me in this journey.
It’s a beautiful video. Lovely & hopeful stories you have shared!!!
WARNING:- these happy endings will not be commonplace. It takes YEARS in most cases, especially where no therapy is involved. It’s a big fat MAYBE. Is the MAYBE MAN worth it? He may never change.
Please remember- these happy experiences expressed are of men who have been humble enough to go to therapy. Most men will NOT do this. If you have someone who is *willing* to do this therapy, that’s definitely a great sign. Then it’s very hopeful. But it is very rare. And this guy’s channel is only talking about people who have been humble enough to do therapy. Wonderful stories. But I think he should be warning the dangers more, cos it is extremely dangerous, when not guided by a professional. Don’t do it alone!!!
I love an avoidant man … most likely an FA - he used to say he finally felt peace with me. Called me “the love of his life” Most likely because I used to be a DA so I recognized some things he may need. I did one thing … that he got upset about broke up with me abruptly. It’s been 3 months and it nearly broke me. Now I’m finally coming out of the other side, he still doesn’t face me, emails me. And I’m getting tired. Honestly not sure I want even want to deal anymore even though I still love him. 😒
Not easy, been through something similar. If he's still emailing you there's def something still there. I could be wrong, but believe they have to conquer their stuff and find the resolve to come back to us. Good to be prepared with what to say and do if they do. Hope things get better for you 🙏
If you plan to continue with him, you will need to determine if you think you can do this for the rest of your life. If you are having serious doubts at 3 months, I would take a very serious look at what you want from your love life. Does this man fit into that?
My great-grandmother used to say that a woman's love will grow wherever it is planted. If it is planted in a big pile of horse crap, it will grow there. It won't be healthy but it will grow. If it is planted in fertile soil, it will prosper.
If you decide to end it with this man, accept that things just didn't work between the two of you and move on. There are plenty of fish in the sea.
If you love him, let him go. He's so much better off without you.
You can love him and still choose to move on for yourself fall in love with yourself get to know who you are unapologically read workout Meditate Journal spend time in nature Hiking fishing dancing swimming coloring get dressed up Take yourself on dates Flirt with men then Gradually start dating again If you do all this he will come back Men can feel your energy switch however Sometimes we think we want them back until we fall in love with ourselves then their behavior becomes unattractive It's not about finding the one It's about becoming the one and attracting who you are always meant to be just be patient with yourself and enjoy the journey Because love is inside of you Love is all around you love is beautiful love is magic We are never.
Separated in love because we are love❤🥰
@@Danielle-t7t But don't forget! time is ticking! Those eggs are going bad, ladies! Youth and beauty.. slipping away. Skin thinning by the day. Everything is sagging. Oh and now the men have invented AI girls who are far more supportive than you can ever be. Tick tick tick.
It's not about ethics imo. Some men cannot help but breadcrumb, stonewall, put no effort and ghost you. We must in this case analyze the risk we assume by failing to walk away. They are addicted to their maladaptive behaviors and you really don't want to get addicted to them. Call them out and get out. Also not all avoidants are this way but many are immature when it comes to love.
THANK YOU!!! His advise is counter productive. It's cool to identify who the avoidant person is at a textbook sense but getting emotionally enmeshed with them is relationship suicide! You cater to them without reciprocation and appreciation, can't expect more from them, gotta walk on eggshells for them to not scare the delicate bunny away into the woods and constantly fear them leaving? They ghost you at will, they are unreliable, unpredictable, can't accept love and affection? Call you days or weeks later to breadcrumb and jerk you around and disappoint? HECK NAW!! Ain't no body got time for that! True love aint never been that hard, but toxic trainwreck situationships have. lol HARD PASS!!!
One important caveat that should be included here is how to assess when it’s _worth it_ or not to try to keep a particular person in your life.
It should never come at the cost of your own mental and emotional wellbeing, and it’s critically important to be aware of when the effort gets to be too one-sided for too long.
_Most of all-_ learning to trust when you did _everything you could,_ and not blame yourself for it not being enough. While it’s important to reflect on one’s contributions both positive and negative, it’s vital to recognize when the other person’s inconsistent, unreasonable demands are setting you up for failure.
Supporting and fuelling a narcissist who’s destroying people and then playing a victim all the time that the world is unfair to them, that’s unfair
Avoidants are not the same as narcissists.
@@metalmoffettslight differences same destructiveness.
So i heard everything you said and it was absolutely profound and I think you are right, with a caveat. I was/am a textbook anxious style but with profound enlightenment and shadow work done, making fast strides to secure attachment. Now, the man Im in love with is DEEP in the trenches of his dismissive avoidance. I understand every aspect of why now and have clarity and empathy.
Now, while i agree with your take here, it is going to take TREMENDOUS energy, work and time for him to dig himself out of his hole and for me to keep up the work to help him through that on my end. All i will get in return for a long period of time will be breadcrumbs, resistance, and being accused of being "holier than thou". So, how is that, at all conducive to me being able to maintain the road to secure attachment, even when Im self fulfilling and have laid boundaries? I know this man loves me, but from a deeply damaged and broken subconscious. How the heck do I take the inevitable backlash that he will start with while he learns to process and rewrite his mind towards emotional stability?
Is he helping you through yours? I love my husband dearly but I've got to the point, after the last 10 of 25 years being Hell (ex-wife invited to his niece's wedding, breaking open the ugly box of feelings he had buried), that I am tired of dealing with the undeserved, intentional acts he's done to hurt me. He's treating me the way she treated him, and I didn't understand WTH was happening to my marriage, or why, until now. You should not backslide into being anxious again or put your own success aside for him. I went through Hell before I met my husband and he met me healed. I won't allow him or anyone else to take that success, my worth, away from me again. You said, "the MAN I'm in love with", not little boy. He needs to step up do this on his own. You can be supportive but empathy is a two-way street. You really can't survive on breadcrumbs and why should you?
This video assured me that I'M the avoidant one...
Which part resonated the most and sparked an 'a-ha' moment?
Same here
Same
Same here… the things that resonated for me the most were all the things provided for the DA in relationship by the partner… in this case the female providing for a man… I’d ultimately feel so much loyal & so much gratitude & just boat loads of respect for a man to care about me that way & anticipate things for me, protect. I’d feel so safe & cherished…I felt like my heart would explode… and in feeling that I also felt anxious at the same time… fear that it would become conditional & I’d be abandoned as well… I do know I am fearful avoidant & healing that intentionally now as well, but this video & those parts felt very validating for me, ty.
Scrolling through the comments on Adam’s videos I’m quickly realising it’s a place for men to argue with hurt and despairing women. We are here to try and work out what we can do to make YOUR lives happier so you don’t take it out on us - which is more than you’d do for us so pick on someone your own size.
There are unfortunately a lot of hurt people looking to get validation of their hurt or even take it out on others to relieve some stress. Thankfully the majority of this community is not that way, and most are seeking solutions and understanding.
point-blank it comes from how my mom taught me.
Probably true, too.
Leaving this for the next person.
I was called an „obsessed psycho“, „jealous“ (I asked if his ex knew they were broken up), „delusional“, etc., so the transition from avoidant to psychopath (not clinical term I assume) seems smooth, he left and came back 2-3 times and if I was 1% braver I would contact his ex and ask if she knows I exist(Ed), but I’m too scared of him for that.
If your dude verbally abuses u like mine did „when he was stressed“, please let him go. They escalate often.
Just putting this here.
I’m a mature, soft person so I definitely don’t go around being abusive, all I asked was „hey this seems weird she was ok w the break up? Just like that?“ and he exploded on me for weeks until finally leaving.
Do it better, don’t take them back ok
Wow, you really pinpoint the problem. Thank-you for your wonderful work.
Thank you for your kind words! I'm glad to hear that.
Your content is incredible useful and so well put together. I pray your channel grows as much as it helps people ❤
Thank you so much for this wonderful feedback, I really appreciate it!
I really like how detailed this video is - showed me a clear picture and examples what "sharing your expectations and needs" looks like in practice.
From one Avoidant to another....
I will share something that has worked for my wife and me for 22 years. I call it "poke the bear".
My wife can be a bit volatile at times. Even if her outburst isn't directly attacking me, the surprise attack produces fear. Fear produces anger. Angry Avoidants are not something that ANYBODY wants around them.
So, when I see the little storm clouds building on the horizon of my wife's emotions, I start doing little things to irritate her further. Nothing severe, things like getting in her way while she is cooking or loading the dishwasher wrong. I will keep this up until she blows and then we can get on with our evening peacefully.
This works for us because I can see it coming. I can almost predict the exact moment it will happen. It doesn't surprise me. So, I can deal with her outburst on the logical side of my brain instead of the fearful side.
I guess some might call this manipulative but it is not being done maliciously. It is being done to save her from my anger.
She gets a pressure release and I get the calm waters back as quickly as possible.
This is quite brilliant, actually. 😅 My DA husband of one year and myself FA leaning more anxious in this dynamic have been trying to figure out this dance ourselves. Conflict is our biggest hurdle. We get along really well and have both become comfortable in how we move about our relationship daily. But how each handles conflict stomps us every time. He just mentioned the not to "poke the bear" phrase last night in regards to him asking me to get better at letting him get distance from blowing up. I have a hard time not feeling that I was really heard in the moment. He assures me that he hears me everytime. He just needs to process it without having to try to hash it out when my emotions are heightened. I feel like he has poked me a few times when I'm resisting just saying how I feel and it definitely works better than me approaching him the way I do.
Very interesting way to handle. Creative.
I can feel it with my friend too!
When he gets „triggered“, I ask him and he tells me so and then he calms down!
@@TiffanyNicholeCatley
Ya, I can relate to that. I am not able to argue positively if there are emotions on either side of the argument. Especially if I am angry and feeling attacked. I need to let the waters calm a bit before I can discuss things.
You need to let him get away and process. But you can put a time limit on it. When I 1st started doing this, I needed a few hours. Maybe some guys will need a day or 1/2 a day. Now, I can process in a few minutes, like 15-20 minutes. It's a learned skill. I wouldn't allow it to carry over to the next day though. You need closure as well.
But you'll both need to agree to a time limit BEFORE the next argument. He won't be able to give you a time if he's angry.
@nohillforahighstepper
Interesting, as a anxious leaning secure, I try to diffuse his anger or usually in condescending or sarcastic remarks, by reminding him, I am not the enemy and I love him and he will get through whatever is stressing him at that moment… usually work or other outside family…. Irvif he can’t see me bc if busy schedule and he feels he’s letting me down /bc I may say - I understand your busy but wish we could be together at the same time (just in a perfect world thought bc I enjoy spending time ) I try not to respond back although I want to bc it hurts, but I tell him I know he doesn’t really mean that and try to approach it that way … he usually calms and comes back later ok
Would that work with other avoidants ?
Adam I am a woman who has been married to a man like this for 29yrs....I have been his safe place, I have been there with open heart and mind. With solutoins to help us both feel loved.....To this day he still bases our happiness on weather I keep his emotions safe. Number One priority.
absolutely I agree, mine was 31 yrs of unconditional love and I was his stability, when I left , oh he has regrets because he finally realized what I put into the relationship, his life was peaceful, it’s now a shambles, he realizes now, too little to late, this is not healthy love sorry.
I had to watch this twice because I thought I was hearing: LADIES LISTEN UP TO THIS SUMMARY.
Do all the work to make him feel safe because he does not feel safe in the world. Be his peace, give him his space, meet his needs and eventually he’ll meet yours if you’re patient consistent.
If he’s not doing it because you haven’t made him safe.
Not because he’s a grown up and hasn’t taken responsibility for his wounds but because you are not safe 😩😩😩
Oh you’re being sarcastic 😅 phew, I hope this dude isn’t actually saying all this, I’m about to watch. It would be too high risk to keep investing all that into an adult who may never change! I agree, he needs to sort his shit out alone
I hear the same thing
He is giving advice to the question "I really want this person in my life, what can I do?".
If you see this as an attack on yourself and Adam putting the blame on women it is because you choose to.
I think so too. It's really about personal choice. If you felt that person worth the fight then get in there, if not simply move on. @@thatguywastakenagain
@@thatguywastakenagain That is not a person you should want in your life. That's the problem.
There is nothing secure about this "secure partner". It's people pleasing, pure and simple. Unless it comes to you naturally, so it also fullfill your needs.
This is dead on. I remember after my last relationship ended I got closer to a female friend of mine. We hooked up one night and felt more sparks than I felt in the entirety of my previous one year relationship. To this day, I feel closer to her than any other woman in my life.
So? Go on! What happened then?
@@kasijune88 Nothing, she’s still just “a female friend of his”😂
@@kasijune88 I mean, we just hung out today, lol. 🤷🏿♂️
@@evrimozgun you're absolutely right! The best female friend a guy could ask for. I even introduce my FWBs to her so she can sniff out the "snakes," lol.
@@sifublack192 I believe you, that’s what happens when it’s the right person, wrong time🙂 I’m glad it’s working out for you both.
I’m was extremely anxious before meeting my husband who’s secure attachment. We’ve been together 21 yrs, his love was what gave me assurance and security. Adam is right when you become that one person who makes the individual feel love and security, there’s no feeling like it 👍
Twice in my life, I've stood by a man when he was in a severe legal situation and if I'd wanted to, I could have made these men's situations worse if I hadn't been in their corner. The first time, I'd only been dating the man a few weeks and he suddenly wanted to take me home to meet his mother after his crisis. The second time, I could have married this man if I wanted - even today, he tells me he still thinks about me all the time and regrets a past action of his that is why we are not a couple/married today. Some men seem to need to see you stand by them in a terrible crisis to know that they can trust you.
This is soooo accurate I've literally thought everything he's said
This is y I bout to give up😢 people are too messed up to b in relationships these days ..
This man is giving terrible advise to have people who are secure attached and mentally stable to basically be the therapist and enabler to a toxic and damaged person. Hell naw!
Try youtube channel "The Crappy Childhood Fairy" I guarantee you'll get more clarity and helpful advise. Anna is a veteran of these messed up relationships and have expert advice from being associated with addiction and relationship therapy organizations for 30 years. She has a LARGE catalog of videos that showcase letters from people who are avoidants and others with childhood trauma that is often the root cause of why these folks are wreaking havoc on normal people and can't commit due to childhood neglect and alcoholic parents (her mother was a raging alcoholic). Childhood neglect causes Limerance, a state of mind of obession for people who is emotionally unavailable, causes side chick syndrome, and people's moral compase to be broken and accept friend with benefits situationships and married men as "normal" or "better than nothing". whew! Check her out - peace and blessing to you! 😎
The best relationship is with yourself ❤
I cant watch your video without fighting the urge to comb that hair of yours to one side Adam 😭😂😂 But i really really love and enjoy listening to you. 😊
Am greatful for your teachings i have really learned alot. You helped me understand someone who i was really confused about. Thankyou. Am an anxious attachment and am learning qnd teaching myself to be secure.❤
Imagine if they talked to you reasonably and then the avoidant still becomes irrational
I took a test yesterday and I have a secure attachment but I still display some of these qualities
Where you took test
@@alexryan43244 if you go on Google you can type "attachment style test" and take a few free ones to make sure they are consistent with one another and accurate
@alexryan43244 I went on Google and took several tests to make sure that they are consistent and accurate
@@alexryan43244I took a few test online to make sure they were accurate
What are the qualities you display?
I am so glad you explained this and it makes so much sense. I have an anxious attachment style and my ex is a dismissive avoidant. I've been watching videos on both styles, and everything I've viewed/heard about the anxious is me to a T. Wow! I have really been working to change to a secure attachment style, and listening to this video is going to help me see through the eyes of my avoidant ex 👀 👁. Yes, I ❤ him and I'm willing to try these suggestions to better our relationship. Once I can get him to open up, I will be sharing with him about the 4 different attachment styles and suggest that we both work with a coach. This video is truly an inspiration 🙌🏾 ✨️ 👏🏾 Thank you 🌹
This guy gets it 👏 👌
Glad this resonates!
I cannot wait to try this.
Let me know how it works out!
This resonates with me. I believe my ex and I are both avoidant we just picked different battles to be distant on. He was the first and only person to ever feel like home to me. I even had a talk with my brother a while back and had mentioned I felt like all of my relationships (family included) are very superficial and serve a specific purpose for me.
My ex was genuinely the only person who made sense to me and I wanted to let in. Now that I have found this piece of my puzzle, I feel like I have the tools and awareness to get to a thriving mindset but I think it might be too late for my partner and I.
This was really something I wish I knew about last year before I pushed too hard and he never came back. Is there a way to find love when you feel like no one will ever meet the same peace of mind and conversational flow a previous partner gave you?
I’m not even attracted to other people anymore and I have a hard time sleeping thinking I missed my future husband and best friend due to fear.
Love your videos. Thank you for giving me some peace knowing I’ve found what has felt off my whole life.
Oh my god...I've never felt so seen. I need EXACTLY this in a relationship as a fearful avoidanat woman and it explains why I trust avoidant men more than anxious men because they approach me this way. This logic and transparency is everything.
I can see that what he needs is from Christ the Lord.... Christ gives love and peace that no one else can give, and it's better than any love a human can give another human. Without that love and peace, a partner cannot fill that tall order, unless the partner let's Christ be their soul source/mate of lasting love, peace, affirmation, compassion, suppport, and warmth in a relationship with any partner that is insecurely operating.
Not many can walk the road of being the only secure adult in a relationship designed to be reciprocal to high levels.
This made me cry my eyez out !! I never heard anything like this in my life. You have opened my eyez and my heart and now I have hope .. thank you so much!
You're most welcome, glad to help! What resonated the most?
Yay another one
You just described - to a T - my 39 year long marriage to my husband!!! I lost him to Covid in 2020 sadly, and I miss him terribly!! I always refer to him as perfect!
I'm deeply sorry for your loss, Cathy. It sounds like you shared a beautiful and cherished bond with your husband. May his memory bring you comfort and strength during this difficult time.
I've been binge watching all your videos, and I think this is the best one yet. Thank you. ❤
Thank you, I appreciate your feedback. What stood out the most in this one?
I think this is great advice. As the anxious one in my relationship, it also helped me see some areas where I've been lacking in my own self improvement. For those in the comments saying it didn't work with their avoidant person, keep in mind that there's a lot at play in every relationship, and this will only be helpful if they genuinely want a future with you. Maybe they don't right now, maybe they won't again ever. Sometimes people stay with us out of convenience, even if the relationship is chaotic.
Is there anything one can do as an avoidant man to improve without a partner? So you can enter a relationship with less of that baggage?
From what I remember, Adam recommends friendships as a way to start healing insecure attachment. He has videos on how to form healthy friendships here on his channel
Find Jesus.
You can't trust people. They will all fail at some point.
Awareness is half the battle
Find out what they need and try and meet it or atleast find middle ground if it seems like too much at the start
Sad that there's so many of us who are single and we offer this harmonious way of being but we are trying to find a peaceful man. So many hurt people in the world unfortunately :(
I understand everything you said & agree with most of it. You want to be his safe place, you want to convey positive energy only. However, the part which doesn't convince me about thia video is "imagine you meet someone who tells you what their needs are clearly from the beginning & how to meet them" Ok, I did but then he didn't put any efforts trying to meet my "reasonable needs" - cause avoidants do not really worry about other people's needs WHICH IS THE MAIN ISSUE. What shall I do then ?
this man is bonkers!! I'm not dealing with a broken man - NEXT!!!!
I’m posting this for my dear friend who cannot be exposed.
“I swear to God, I am understanding, supportive, respectful, appreciative, give regular affirmation, space, have my own life/friends/interests, earn my own money and according to your guidance, I should have this all figured out….but we’ve been married over 20 years and I’ve created an environment where I am taken for granted. I have no clout. We’re just roommates. Now what?”
They aren’t clear. They aren’t honest. Stop waiting for these people. They have so much work to do and you ARE NOT the free therapist. MOVE ON!!!!!
Agree!!
Exactly!!!
Amen!!!
Are you an expert of these people? They are still people, not warts
I think this is an interesting discussion - should we just not date these men or should we try to use these tools first? As a woman who was matched by a professional matchmaking company to an incredibly brilliant CEO British man, he fits all these parameters. Now, should I just let him continue to spiral and date the wrong women or should I equip myself with this tool kit and try to partner with him? I think every case may be different but it’s a neat discussion and discourse to be had by women.
I am grateful that there is a forum to learn about this information and I think Dr. ALS is really progressive in the way he’s presenting this
What you tell resonates exactly with my personality and experiences. Constant risk-assessment wherever I go.
I'm happy to hear this resonates. How does this affect your relationships and circles?
@@AttachmentAdam
Quite negatively (to say the least). The main reason as to why I have barely gotten involved with any women nowadays, is because I see constant risks.
Especially, since I have a lot to lose economically (one divorce or false MeeToo-allegation would ruin me financially and socially) and don't want to end up like my dad, who -after his remarriage - ceased all contact with me and my siblings as well. Just because of that mean-spirited, narcissistic, woman.
Plus, I would never, ever feel comfortable talking about my past to any woman that I'm romantically involved with. If I would so at all, because I have also deep insecurities about sex and everything around it.
When it comes to friends and acquaintances, I have a few close friends but can't talk to them about above-mentioned problems (as they're even more inexperienced than me, plus they are committed to their religion while I'm quite secular with regards to religion). Since I'm a quite public figure in certain circles, I also feel very uncomfortable talking about personal issues with any of them, as my gut tells me they can't be trusted with keeping a secret.
My closest family on the other hand (siblings, mother and nephews), I have a very good relationship with, but certain things I can't even talk with them about as I have felt too ashamed telling certain things, although I certainly know they wouldn't judge or ridicule me for it.
Excuse me for the long reply, but this is pretty much how my entire adult life has looked life (I'm now 36 years old).
How long should someone be waiting to see if patience and constistant love will actually pay off? Because one the one hand, I really do want him to see and feel that he can trust me and my behavior, but on the other hand if it takes him 10 years to realize that, I don't think my mental health will survive 😂
Thank you for your channel, it's very informative !
If you can't do something for 10 years? Sorry honey, marriage and relationships aren't for you.
Try youtube channel "The Crappy Childhood Fairy" I guarantee you'll get more clarity and helpful advise. If a man can't or won't show up for the relationship, he either has a girlfriend or wife, or is just not into you is what i've always noticed. My hubby was 20 when he proposed to me and did not take me through hell and back just to emotionally connect with him, it was EASY not traumatic! peace and love, hope you move on to a great guy who reciprocates!
@@BenLWolf huh? she needs to prove herself to a toxic individual who is not her husband for 10+ years? heck no!!!