logo
episode-header-image
Feb 2023
18m 6s

#51: How to Initiate Hard Conversations ...

Stephanie Rigg
About this episode

In today's Q&A episode, I'm sharing tips for initiating hard conversations with an avoidant partner. This is a question I get a lot - how to express needs to an avoidant partner, how to set boundaries, how to share feedback. These conversations are already intimidating for many anxiously attached folks, and when combined with the sensitivities of the avoidant partner, can be a perfect storm. 

We cover:

  • how to set yourself up for success in initiating hard conversations
  • the importance of a regulated nervous system
  • tips for reaching a mutually beneficial outcome
  • how to cultivate greater safety during conflict & challenging conversations

Download the FREE Anxious Attachment Starter Kit here

Join the 28-day Secure Self Challenge! Starts 10 Feb 2025

Additional Resources



Up next
Jul 8
#196: How & Why We Self-Abandon in Relationships
If you deeply fear abandonment, there’s a good chance you’ve also been abandoning yourself in quiet, subtle, and painful ways.In today’s episode, we’re exploring how fear of abandonment often leads to patterns of self-abandonment — especially for those with anxious attachment. We ... Show More
19m 8s
Jul 1
#195: Two Simple Principles for a Healthy Nervous System
In today’s episode, I’m sharing two key principles for building a truly resilient, balanced nervous system — and why one without the other tends to keep us stuck.We’ll explore:Why nervous system health isn’t about being relaxed all the timeThe importance of deliberate stress expo ... Show More
11m 4s
Jun 24
#194: When You Don’t Feel Like a Priority in Your Relationship
If you often feel like you're fighting for a place in your partner’s life—like you’re always waiting to be chosen or noticed—this episode is for you.This is one of the most common experiences for people with anxious attachment: that persistent, painful feeling of being sidelined. ... Show More
18m 49s
Recommended Episodes
Jan 2024
Understand Your Attachment Styles, Needs, and Behaviors: Episode 326
Attachment is a key term and principle for relationships and refers to the way in which you bond and connect with your partner. The theory of Attachment Style has become much more popular in recent years from its conception by John Bowlby in 1969. Though many are familiar with th ... Show More
30m 2s
Feb 2025
Encore: Having Hard Conversations: How to Avoid Being Avoidant
Hey, Fellow Travelers. This week, we’re checking in with Savannah, Ryan and Beth, Danica, and Amy to hear how our sessions have impacted their lives since we last spoke. All of them had trouble communicating with someone--a spouse, sibling, boyfriend--about an important issue in ... Show More
41m 21s
Mar 2023
How to Speak Up for Yourself: Simple Strategies for Being Heard
In this episode, you’re learning how to speak up for yourself and make sure that you are heard. Whether you want to be more influential and visible at work or there’s a hard conversation that you’ve been avoiding with a family member, this episode will empower you to have a break ... Show More
56m 57s
Jun 2024
462: How To Have Better Conversations
Opening up to vulnerability, asking better questions and mindfulness are all tools to have better conversations and improve your relationships. Listen to today's show for actionable tips to engage with your partner, friends and family in deeper conversations. In this episode with ... Show More
36m 16s
Apr 2024
452: How To Become More Securely Attached
Attachment theory is one of the best ways to understand yourself, your partner and improve your relationship. Listen to today's show for tools you can use to heal your attachment wounds and work toward a more secure relationship. In this episode with Thais Gibson we discuss relat ... Show More
47m 11s
Feb 2024
443: Healing Your Negative Attachment Patterns
Attachment theory is a valuable lense to examine ourselves and our relationships. Understanding how most of us will fall into common negative attachment patterns can help you heal and thrive in your relationship. Listen to today's show to learn more about attachment theory, break ... Show More
44m 50s
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
Listen to millions of songs and podcasts on Anghami