Avoidant

Describing a behavioral or emotional tendency characterized by the inclination to evade or steer clear of particular situations, people, or responsibilities. This can manifest in personal relationships, social interactions, and professional environments, often arising from anxiety or fear of negative outcomes. Individuals labeled as avoidant may struggle with intimacy and commitment.

Avoidant meaning with examples

• John's avoidant behavior in relationships often led to misunderstandings, as he would avoid discussing feelings, preferring to keep things light. His partners would sometimes feel neglected, as he rarely expressed vulnerability, making it difficult for them to connect deeply without that emotional exchange.
• During group projects, Sarah exhibited avoidant tendencies, often shying away from presenting ideas to the team. Instead of asserting her viewpoints, she would defer to louder voices, missing opportunities to contribute her unique insights and further complicating collaboration among her peers.
• In therapeutic settings, patients with avoidant attachment styles frequently struggle to establish trust with their counselors. Their reluctance to open up about personal challenges hinders the therapeutic process, requiring extra patience and rapport-building to help them feel safe enough to engage.
• Linda's avoidant nature became evident during her job interviews—she would dodge questions about her strengths and achievements, fearing judgment. This self-doubt often resulted in missed opportunities, as potential employers weren't able to see her true capabilities due to her reluctance to showcase them.