15 Early Signs You're Dating an Avoidant - and What to do

By Jim Hall, M.S., Relationship Coach

This article will help you understand:

Signs of dating a person with an avoidant attachment atyle

 How they may act, show up, and what to expect when dating

Why dating a love avoidant attachment style doesn't work well if you have an anxious attachment 

When you notice signs of avoidant attachment - what to do

Being a love addict or someone with an insecure or anxious attachment style, you tend to gravitate towards relationships with people who are avoidant and them to you.

Here is the problem: Someone who is love avoidant is, by far, the worst type of person you could ever date and have a romantic relationship with.

The primary reason is that a person with love avoidance is the least likely to meet your relationship needs for intimacy, closeness, emotional availability, and security.

Note: For most love addicts-- these needs just mentioned are the most important relational needs for love addicts. And when you have a partner that can meet these needs, you can only feel safe, comfortable, and satisfied.

Secondarily, a relationship you have with someone love avoidant tends to trigger the most distress, anxiety, and pain - especially when you have to experience love addiction withdrawal once a breakup occurs.

So if you're serious about your recovery and finding the right partner to have a relationship you can be happy and secure in, then it will be in your best interest to avoid any or all romantic relationships with a love avoidant.

How can you determine if someone you're dating might be love avoidant? 

Is it possible to identify a love avoidant on the first date or soon thereafter?

Absolutely, if you know the early dating signs of love avoidance.
 

The love addict (who desires intimate contact) and a love avoidant (who fears & evades intimate contact), together in a romantic relationship, are like oil and water- they will not mix well! ... as both repel one another and cannot create a healthy and unified attachment.

Being love addicted, you probably experienced one or more relationships with a love avoidant (you likely did not know this). Early on, the chemistry was probably like fireworks, and you quickly felt nothing but ecstasy and bliss.

Someone who is emotionally unavailable or love avoidant... is the least likely person to meet your needs for intimacy, emotional availability, and security in a relationship. * never feel shame about your needs

And almost from the start, you concluded he/she is the “one”, and the fantasies proliferated.… with thoughts and images of being together forever “in love”, your needs being met- of affection, closeness, attention, intimacy, and love reciprocated back to you, and ultimately being rescued and liberated by your new “Soul-Mate And Redeemer”.

Of course, to your devastation, this does not happen. Time passes, and within weeks or months, he/she begins changing from the seemingly charming, caring, and attentive person to someone cold, uncaring, distant, and unavailable.

From then on, he/she begins to reveal their true colors… that being their love avoidance and emotional unavailability. Your fantasies begin to collapse, and as hard as you try to get back what you “thought” you had in the beginning, you cannot change who a person is.
 

If you relate to this, have you ever thought, “I wish I could have known early on that he/she would turn out like this, being a love avoidant?"
 

Or have you ever asked yourself, “Were there warning signs early on that I could have identified to know he/she was love avoidant? if so, perhaps I could have prevented having to go through all the pain, distress, and heartache”?

Consider this —

When our partner reciprocates our need for intimacy and closeness, our happiness increases, and we can better thrive in other areas of our lives. On the contrary, when intimacy and closeness are one-sided, and our partner stifles it, our joy and satisfaction with the relationship decrease, our well-being decreases, and our capacity to thrive outside decreases…

It goes without saying that if you want a partner who enhances your well-being, happiness, and satisfaction in your life, you must never again choose a romantic partner who is emotionally unavailable/or avoidant.
 

For insecurely attached love addicts, the risks of choosing a partner who is love avoidant are clear - Avoid a love avoidant like the plague.

This leads me to my main point: You are not a victim of your circumstances.

As an adult, YOU have the power of choice.

You are not destined for relationships with love avoidants who do not have the capacity to meet your most important needs. From here on out, you can avoid relationships with love avoidants.

How can I know if someone I am dating is love avoidant? Thankfully, most people reveal much about themselves early (it is true!).

The key is to know the Early Warning Signs. You can reliably predict if a potential dating partner is love avoidant by knowing the Early Warning Signs, being a keen observer, and being a well-honed listener.

Below are the Top 15 Early Warning Signs You’re Dating Someone Emotionally Unavailable or Love Avoidant.

Are You Dating Someone With An Avoidant Attachment Style? Here Are 15 Indicators

 

1. Sends mixed signals; seems unreliable; words are incongruous to their actions (e.g., does/says one thing, and then soon after does/says the opposite).
 

2. Comes on very strong; is seductive, overly charming, flattering, and flirtatious; may quickly say, “I love you,” “You’re so perfect,” “Where have you been all my life,” etc.; may portray a “perfect/idealistic future together”; and/or quickly pressures you for commitment or loyalty.
 

3. Communication is foggy or vague; talks in roundabout terms about present circumstances or sharing past relationships/’s; seems secretive or mysterious.
 

4. Has not been in a committed relationship for a long period (years); he/she may attribute his/her long-term single status to external circumstances, such as not meeting “the perfect one”, or needing an “ideal textbook love partner/relationship”; (consider this sign if they are over 30).
 

5. Drinks, smokes pot, or does drugs excessively; and/or is a workaholic; or has some other apparent addiction or compulsion (gambling, porn, etc.).
 

6. Appears controlling; wants you to change your look (clothes, hair, etc.), or change what you do (your work, social activities, who you spend time with, etc.); may constantly text or call; expects/demands all of your time, especially on his/her terms-- may become angry, distant, moody or cold if you don’t respond.
 

7. Fiercely values independence, freedom, or self-reliance (he/she may or may not state this).
 

8. Wants or prefers casual sex; is okay having “friends with benefits”; words/discussions lean more on sexually connecting, much less on taking time to get to know one another; may try to pressure you to be physical/sexual.
 

9. Devalues, criticizes, even in subtle ways; may say or do things which make you feel inferior, incompetent, unworthy; may use sarcasm and claim ”I’m just teasing” as a method to demean you. May also degrade or speak negatively of others, previous partners, etc.
 

10. Reluctant to introduce friends or family members (especially troublesome after two or three months); may be hesitant to share his living environment * if kids are involved, flexibility should be given as he/she may be considering the child’s well-being, feeling it is too early for their kid/’s to meet someone new until a relationship is established.
 

11. Seems distrustful or suspicious of others, past partners, you; fear of being used or taken advantage of.
 

12. Says or implies, “I don’t think I’m ready for a commitment,” “I’m not good at relationships, “The timing is not right.”
 

13. Is married or in a current romantic relationship; history of cheating, affair/’s in past relationship/’s; may justify or defend reasons for behavior (e.g., “She/he was crazy,” “We didn't get along, it was over anyway”, “he/she never wanted sex”). * If the person says, “I changed” or “I’m different today,” w/o doing any counseling/therapy for a lengthy period- do not believe it.
 

14. The conversation is consistently all about him/her; asks few questions about you, your life, family, work, interests, etc.; and/or seems checked out mentally during conversations.
 

15. Is uncomfortable when you communicate candidly-- your feelings, needs, wants, or desires on what you are looking for in a relationship partner. You may say, “It’s important for me to have a partner who’s supportive, I can rely on, and wants to grow together”--  pay attention to their response; if he/she responds by ignoring, discounting, quickly changing the subject, or says for example, “You’re so sensitive/demanding/serious,” etc., count this as a big early warning sign.  * This Warning Sign May Be The Most Important, pay close attention

Using these Early Warning Signs of avoidance in a person is a powerful tool to uncover a person’s capacity to meet your needs for closeness, intimacy, and dependability.

Recognizing one or two of these Early Warning Signs may not necessarily prove a person is a love avoidant. HOWEVER, typically, when you find one or two, you will often find many more- so pay close attention.
 

The effort you put into being a keen observer to whether or not a dating partner displays avoidant risk factors / early warning signs can pay off significantly in helping to promote future relationship happiness and duration.
 

That is good news if you are dating someone with no Early Warning Signs are apparent. Then you can move forward, take it slow, and continue getting to know this person.
 

On the other hand, what should you do if Early Warning Signs are apparent?
 

What to do if you recognize multiple Avoidant Warning Signs in a person you are dating
 

People with an insecure attachment often ask me how someone dates an avoidant person and makes a relationship work. And it is a simple answer- Run, Fast. That is, if you desire a capable partner that does not shun intimate connection.

If Early Warning Signs are apparent in a dating partner, then you must first make the obvious conclusion that he/she would surely be an unavailable and unreliable partner— and the relationship would be as painful as it is tumultuous, leaving you chronically dissatisfied.

 
This is not loving. This is not a real relationship.

Secondly, what you must do is straightforward — you should move on promptly. You must detach from the person, or you risk becoming too attached and addicted. Do not stall.


It might go without saying you don't want to win them over, try to get them to love you, or try to get them to commit.

The Early Warning Signs notify you loud and clearly that this person is emotionally unavailable. They are who they are, and you nor anyone will change them. Do not waste any more time or energy.

You need to communicate with him or her that you cannot continue seeing each other. You could say something like, “It’s been good knowing you, but I know we’re not a good match, and I don't want to waste your time or mine; good luck to you.”

You do not have to say anything more. Just be clear and direct. Do not feel like you have to explain yourself- you do not.

Do not feel guilty if the person gets hurt-  he/she is an adult - they will be fine. What he/she feels, thinks, or does in response is not your responsibility or issue.

You are not obligated to the person. You do not owe him/her anything else but your truth.

Even if you are attracted to other traits (even a lot of traits) that you find appealing in a person, and yet you recognize the warning signs, beware! He or she is still love avoidant.

Do not justify by saying something like, “I’ve always wanted someone ambitious, has a fantastic job, loves traveling, and wants a family”.

Perhaps this could be true, nevertheless —the person is still a love avoidant! ... One who cannot or will not meet your most important relational needs and who will make you feel dissatisfied and disillusioned.

If you want to find real satisfying love where your needs and wants are met and respected... The Early Warning Signs of an avoidant must be a bottom-line, a non-negotiable, a deal-breaker, yes, the ‘nail in the coffin’- period!

Also - do not leave any wiggle room for continued contact.

Do not say, for example, “We could be friends.” If you do, you leave the door open for him/her to manipulate you back into contact and put yourself at risk of becoming too ached.

Halting, early on, a relationship with a love avoidant -- is about honoring YOUR wants, needs, and desire to find a partner who is NOT avoidant, someone unable to meet your most important relationship needs. That is all that matters.



When early warning signs show up... Depart and let go with a clear understanding of why, then give yourself a big pat on the back and congratulate yourself for taking care of yourself.

Be cautious as you begin to search for a suitable partner. If you keep blinders on… ignore, disregard, or justify any Early Warning Signs, you will put yourself at great risk to fall back into the trap of settling for crumbs… steering you back to great heartache, disappointment, and disillusionment.
 

Always keep this in mind...  The type of partner we choose to enter a relationship with can have far-reaching effects on our ability to flourish … having a great influence on our emotional well-being and physical health, our belief in ourselves, our self-esteem, and our future outlook and motivation to achieve our hopes and dreams.
 

You are important! You are enough! And You matter! Moreover, what you need and want most in a relationship partner, really-truly matters! So honor them 100%. If you are interested in helping yourself to better find the right partner on your dating path- I can help you- consider Love Addiction Coaching (see below).

CHOOSE YOUR RELATIONSHIP PARTNER WISELY.
TAKE THESE EARLY WARNING SIGNS SERIOUSLY!
Don’t settle. For less.
 

Early Signs of Avoidant Attachment - Key Points
 

About the Author: Jim Hall MS is a Love Addiction Specialist and Author of 3 Books on Love Addiction and Healing. Through his Online Recovery Practice and writings, Jim teaches guides and supports those struggling with love addiction how to heal and overcome unhealthy relationship patterns and how to attain healthy fulfilling love relationships.

Are you in a breakup, withdrawing from a relationship with a Love Avoidant (or Narcissist)? 
 

Recovery Workbook to Overcome Love Addiction Withdrawal
 

Check out my powerful eBook Surviving Withdrawal: The Breakup Workbook for Love Addicts, * you can download my eBooks to any computer or phone.

 

Love Addiction Recovery Help

If you feel you have love addiction or in a love addictive/avoidance relationship-- LAR Coaching can help you gain insights to your change behavior /choices and discover how you can find a new and more satisfying  way to love.  Never again becoming obsessively dependent to someone toxic is possible!- learn About Love Addiction Coaching.

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