If you often find yourself overanalyzing why your partner hasn't responded to your texts and fearing abandonment, you might have an anxious attachment style. This attachment style often stems from childhood experiences with caregivers and can manifest in adulthood as difficulty trusting partners, low self-worth, and constant worry about being left. However, developing more secure attachments is possible with the right support and strategies, such as therapy and mindfulness

Relationships can be challenging, and at times, we fall into patterns that harm our connection. Dr. John Gottman’s Four Horsemen—criticism, contempt, defensiveness, and stonewalling—are behaviors that can erode intimacy and trust. Recognizing these and replacing them with healthier habits can make a huge difference.

• Criticism shifts to constructive feedback.

• Contempt becomes appreciation.

• Defensiveness transforms into accountability.

• Stonewalling softens with self-soothing.

These shifts take time but are key to creating a resilient, connected relationship. If any of these patterns sound familiar, therapy can offer support to break the cycle and build healthier communication.