Anxious Attachment Styles: A Sixth Sense for Danger
Those with an Anxious Attachment Style have a super-sensitive attachment system, and a unique ability to sense when a relationship might be under threat.
Living with an 'Anxious' attachment style
You should choose wisely when it comes to selecting a partner - because your future happiness depends on it. And this is especially true for those with an Anxious Attachment Style. But awareness of your tendencies and how you can seek the security you crave can greatly help to reduce your suffering when it comes to relationships.
The smallest of triggers
Even the tiniest hint that something might be wrong can activate the attachment system of those identifying as having Anxious Attachment. And once activated, you are often unable to calm down - until you get a clear indication from your partner if he or she is truly there for you and that the relationship is safe.
People with other attachment styles also get activated, however, they are far less likely to pick up on the tiny details that those with an Anxious Attachment Style do.
A blessing and a curse
Such heightened perception may be perceived as a gift. A study from the University of Illinois observed that those with anxious attachment perceive the onset of emotions quicker, are more vigilant to changes in others' emotional expression, and have a higher degree of accuracy and sensitivity to people's cues.
On the other hand, these people also tended to jump to conclusions very quickly - and that when they acted impulsively, their judgement became less accurate: it was only when they were encouraged to wait that they made more sound emotional judgements, and use their uncanny ability to decipher the world around them with accuracy.
The perceived 'Danger Zone'
Do you feel as if you're always walking on a tightrope - without a safety net(!) - in relationships? If so, then this is very typical of an Anxious Attachment Style. You may feel on high alert continually, and only have short, brief periods of respite before your insecurity surfaces again.