logo
episode-header-image
Feb 2025
18m 4s

#175: Perfectionism & Anxious Attachment

Stephanie Rigg
About this episode

In today's episode, we explore how perfectionism intersects with anxious attachment and impacts our ability to form secure relationships. We examine how the drive for perfection often stems from attachment wounds around unworthiness and creates barriers to authentic connection.

Key themes covered:

  • The links between perfectionism and anxious attachment patterns
  • How perfectionism manifests in relationships (performing, people-pleasing, fear of making mistakes)
  • The connection between perfectionism and fear of abandonment
  • Why perfectionism creates distance in relationships despite our intentions for closeness
  • How perfectionism impacts vulnerability and emotional intimacy

We discuss practical steps for:

  • Recognising perfectionist patterns in your relationships
  • Moving from self-criticism to self-compassion
  • Embracing "good enough" in relationships
  • Building tolerance for imperfection
  • Showing up authentically in relationships

Download the FREE Anxious Attachment Starter Kit here

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

Additional Resources



Up next
Aug 19
#202: How Attachment Styles Influence Friendship Dynamics
We don’t often talk about how attachment dynamics play out in friendships — but if you’ve ever felt anxious, hurt, or overly invested in a friend who seemed to be pulling away, you’ll know just how triggering these relationships can be.While attachment theory was originally devel ... Show More
21m 50s
Aug 12
#201: How to Actually Heal from a Breakup
If you’re someone with anxious attachment patterns, the ending of a relationship can bring up some of your deepest wounds: feelings of abandonment, not being enough, being too much, or fears that you’ll never find love again.In today’s episode, I’m offering a more grounded, inten ... Show More
22m 7s
Aug 5
#200: How to Like Yourself More
So many of us struggle with the idea of self-love. For me, and for many others, it can feel vague, aspirational, or simply out of reach. But what if, instead of trying to love ourselves, we focused on becoming someone we actually like?In today’s episode, I’m sharing five practica ... Show More
23m 3s
Recommended Episodes
Jan 2025
Overcoming relationship anxiety: navigating intimacy through shadow work
Do you ever feel anxious or inadequate in your relationship, especially when intimacy isn’t present? In this episode, I guide a member from our Codependency Alchemy membership through the shadow work and inner child healing to uncover the core wounds that are fueling her fear of ... Show More
48m 8s
Aug 2024
#229 Relationship OCD with Sheva Rajaee
In today's episode I interview therapist Sheva Rajaee. Sheva is an expert in anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), and specifically relationship OCD which is what we discuss in this episode. In our interview we talk about what OCD is, what's the difference between ... Show More
37m 44s
Feb 2024
Attachment Styles: Understanding Our Emotional Blueprint
We explore the profound impact of attachment theory on relationship dynamics, focusing on overcoming fears of intimacy linked to avoidant attachment and the influence of childhood experiences on adult attachment styles. Discover practical tips for anxious attachers seeking relati ... Show More
34m 4s
Apr 2025
Unmasking Perfectionism: The Hidden Link Between Stress and the Need to Be Perfect
Have a question for the show? Text us here!Is Your Perfectionism Really Just a Stress Response? In this episode of The Empowered Educator Podcast, we uncover the hidden connection between perfectionism and your brain’s stress response system — especially for educators. Learn why ... Show More
14m 53s
Oct 2024
Attachment Specialist Helps Avoidant Man Face Trust Issues LIVE
🎙️ Welcome to this episode of "I Wish You Knew" where Adam Lane Smith, the attachment specialist works with an avoidant man in a powerful LIVE coaching session. Adam coaches him through his struggles with trust issues, emotional openness, and relationship patterns that sabotage ... Show More
1h 12m
Mar 2025
how to overcome PERFECTIONISM: embrace progress, let go of pressure & stop preforming! letting youreself be HUMAN
in today’s episode, we’re diving into something I know we all struggle with from time to time… PERFECTIONISM! 💭✨ While holding yourself to a high standard can be motivating, there’s a fine line where it can lead to insecurity, never feeling fulfilled, and an inability to embrace ... Show More
36m 20s
Oct 2024
Dismissive Avoidant Vs. Fearful Avoidant - Key Similarities, Differences & Their Relationship Needs!
Get personalized courses, live webinars & Q&As, and more for free for 7 days! https://attachment.personaldevelopmentschool.com/dream-life?utm_source=podcast&utm_campaign=7-day-trial&utm_medium=organic&utm_content=yt-10-21-24&el=podcast Become a certified relationship coach to sec ... Show More
20m 26s
Jun 4
Rewriting Limiting Beliefs - The KEY to Developing Secure Attachment
The core difference between people with insecure attachment and those who are securely attached isn’t just behavior - it’s what they believe. About themselves. About others. And about love. In this episode, we explore how your beliefs silently shape your relational behaviour & ho ... Show More
34m 20s
Jan 2025
Avoidant Husband & Anxious Wife Coached by Attachment Specialist
🎙️ Welcome to this transformative episode of "I Wish You Knew" featuring Adam Lane Smith, attachment specialist, as he LIVE coaches a married couple on the path to a blissful marriage. Join us as we watch a married couple navigate their relationship struggles with Adam's coachin ... Show More
1h 16m