Dismissive avoidant attachment often gets a bad rap and, sometimes, that can be justified based on “bad” behavior in relationships. That said, dismissive avoidant people are also widely misunderstood.

If you've ever dated someone with an avoidant or anxious attachment style, chances are you're still unpacking it in therapy—or at the very least, side-eyeing every text delay with mild PTSD.

If you prefer actions like gifts or acts of service over quality time or words of affirmation, chances are you have an avoidant attachment style. Attachment theory is the blueprint of how we love, ...