Understanding Attachment

Attachment styles play an integral role in our relationships with others, whether they be familial, romantic, or platonic. Attachment theory argues that a strong emotional and physical bond with at least one caregiver during the first years of life is critical to our development. If this bond is strong, we are securely attached, and feel safe to explore the world. That attachment with the caregiver is essentially a safe base we can return to at any time if needed. In contrast, if the bond is weak, we are insecurely attached, and subsequently afraid to explore a rather scary looking world, because we have no secure, safe base to return to if needed. 

Let's look at some characteristics of both secure & insecure attachment styles. Those who are securely attached are more trusting, can connect better with others, and generally more successful in life. Those who are insecurely attached can tend to be less trusting in others, experience difficulty in communicating effectively, and have a harder time forming & maintaining relationships.