Anxious Attachment

Attachment style marked by high need for reassurance and fear of abandonment. Can lead to protest behaviors (rapid texting, over-pursuit) after a breakup.

attachmentanxietyreassurance

Avoidant Attachment

Style characterized by valuing independence and emotional distance. After conflict, tends to take space or delay responses.

attachmentspaceboundaries

Breadcrumbing

Sending occasional low-effort messages to keep attention without committing to real reconnection.

mixed signalstexting

Boundaries

Clear statements of what you allow or won’t allow in a relationship. Healthy reconnection starts with respected limits.

self-respectstandards

Closure

Personal acceptance and understanding after a breakup—doesn’t always require a final talk with an ex.

healingacceptance

Compatibility

How well partners’ values, goals, and lifestyles align. High chemistry can’t replace poor fit.

valuesalignment

Dumper Remorse

Post-breakup regret from the person who ended it—often spikes after novelty fades or real loss is felt.

regretnostalgia

Gaslighting

Manipulating someone into doubting their reality via denial, minimization, or blame shifting.

manipulationtrust

Ghosting

Ending communication by suddenly disappearing. Signals avoidance or low investment.

textingavoidance

Hoovering

Attempts to “suck” someone back in with sporadic contact or dramatic gestures—often without genuine change.

re-engagementboundaries

Intermittent Reinforcement

Unpredictable attention that creates strong attachment. Explains why on-off relationships feel addictive.

psychologypatterns

Limerence

Intense infatuation fueled by uncertainty and fantasy; often mistaken for lasting love.

chemistryobsession

Love Bombing

Overwhelming affection early on to create quick attachment—can be manipulative if not backed by consistency.

manipulationpace

No Contact Rule

Intentional pause in communication to heal, stop chasing, and reset the dynamic before any reconnection attempt.

healingreset

Rebound Relationship

New relationship formed quickly to ease pain or prove a point. Often short-lived without deeper compatibility.

copingtiming

Repair Attempt

Any bid to reduce tension—apology, humor, ownership. Successful couples recognize and accept them.

communicationconflict

Secure Attachment

Comfort with closeness and autonomy. Handles conflict with openness and repair.

truststability

Stonewalling

Emotional withdrawal or refusal to engage. A key predictor of relationship dissatisfaction.

conflictcommunication

Texting Window

Strategic time frame to send a first message after no contact: short, warm, and pressure-free.

timingoutreach