logo
episode-header-image
Jun 2022
20m 33s

#14: 5 Ways to Support an Avoidant Partn...

Stephanie Rigg
About this episode

In this episode, we're diving into 5 ways to support an avoidant partner - so that you can cultivate greater understanding and connection, and build a safe, secure relationship. We'll touch on whether it's a good idea to tell your partner that they're avoidant, how to communicate your needs in a way that your partner can receive them, how not to communicate with an avoidant partner, and how your partner's love languages might differ from yours. 

Highlighted Links

Additional Resources

Up next
Yesterday
#238: Can a Relationship Survive If Only One Person is Doing the Work? (Ask Steph)
In this Ask Steph episode, I respond to a listener question I hear often: If I work on my anxious attachment, but my partner doesn’t work on their avoidant patterns, can the relationship still work?I unpack why focusing on your side of the street is never a waste of time — even w ... Show More
8m 34s
Mar 3
#237: How Anxious & Avoidant People Differ Around Breakups
In this episode, we explore one of the most painful dynamics after a breakup: watching your ex seem “fine” while you feel completely unravelled — and the stories that comparison creates. We unpack why anxious and avoidant attachment patterns tend to process breakups so differentl ... Show More
18m 49s
Feb 26
#236: Coping With Separation Anxiety When Your Partner Is Away (Ask Steph)
In this Ask Steph episode, I respond to a listener who says they generally feel secure in their relationship — except when their partner travels and is physically away. During those periods, they experience intense separation anxiety, spiralling thoughts, and a sudden sense of in ... Show More
8m 17s
Recommended Episodes
Sep 2021
How To Support Your Avoidant Partner
In this episode, I share 5 ways in how you can best support your avoidant partner. We go deep into understanding their attachment traumas, the result of these traumas, and how other attachment types (especially anxious styles) can live more harmoniously with their avoidant partne ... Show More
15m 52s
Aug 2023
114. Avoid the Gottmans’ 4 Horsemen and Save your Relationship
Do you and your partner struggle to communicate? Have you ever experienced… - Things you thought were small issues turn into a blowout fight. - Your partner tells you they feel criticized. - You see your partner walk away in conflict and it makes you upset.         - You’re unsur ... Show More
15m 1s
Sep 2022
90. Why Couples Fight
When couples are fighting, they say things like: I would like to feel more connected to my partner I want to feel understood by my partner I’m unheard and getting resentful I’m tired of fighting about silly stuff I’m walking on eggshells to avoid the next heated fight We s ... Show More
20m 39s
May 2021
#244 - Dealing With a Withdrawn Partner: Communication Problems, Part 3
What to do when your partner shuts down. Are you trying to have a relationship with a partner who avoids, defends or worse... won't talk at all? Few things are as frustrating, or as hurtful. It's hard NOT to get upset and angry when you're feeling rejected, unloved, or uncared fo ... Show More
45m 57s
Oct 2023
Improving Poor Communication in the Relationship
This episode will be broken down into three parts. First, it will help you identify if poor communication is negatively affecting your relationship. Second, it will provide practical solutions that you can apply to begin improving the communication. Lastly, it will provide an act ... Show More
11m 41s
Apr 2023
#346 - How to Deal with a Defensive Partner
There are few things more frustrating than trying to figure out how to deal with a defensive partner. You just want them to understand how you feel and what you need, but they’re too busy defending themselves to truly listen.  Unfortunately, defensive reactions can make it diffi ... Show More
1h 8m
Feb 2022
Are You Sensually Communicating?
When you put words to your desire for your partner, you can experience a satisfying relationship in and out of the bedroom. On this episode of Small Things Often, we’ll explain how you can start sensually communicating with your partner. 
3m 22s