Fear of Abandonment vs. Pushing People Away: Breaking the Cycle of Chaos in Relationships

You Are Not Crazy

You Are Not Crazy
Fear of Abandonment vs. Pushing People Away: Breaking the Cycle of Chaos in Relationships
Jan 22, 2025 Episode 158
Jessica Knight

How can a fear of abandonment lead to pushing people away? In this episode, I explore the complexities of anxious attachment, traits of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), and how self-awareness can pave the way for healthier relationships.

I delve into the inner conflict often experienced by individuals with BPD—a push-pull dynamic where fear of abandonment clashes with fear of engulfment. This tension frequently results in self-sabotaging behaviors that disrupt connection and trust in relationships.

Drawing from my own journey of healing anxious attachment through exposure therapy, coaching, and resources like Attached, I reflect on a past relationship where my partner’s hypersensitivity, constant need for reassurance, and deeply rooted fears created an exhausting cycle of chaos.


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