Written by Sexual Wellness Institute Owner and Therapist, Amanda Holmberg, MS LMF ![]() If you're a fan of Love Is Blind, you know that the show is a social experiment that explores how love develops without physical attraction. But beyond the drama and whirlwind romances, it's also a great way to observe attachment styles in action. Attachment theory, developed by John Bowlby and Mary Ainsworth, suggests that our early experiences with caregivers shape how we relate to romantic partners as adults. There are four main attachment styles: secure, anxious, avoidant, and disorganized. As you watch Love Is Blind, we see various personality traits and relationship dynamics- some healthy and some not so healthy. Sometimes we watch a particular scene and think “This seems unhealthy or unhelpful but I can’t quite put my finger on why”. Looking at the attachment styles of the contestants could help you figure out some of those dynamics. Here’s how you can spot each attachment style and understand how they impact relationships on (and off) the show: 1. Secure Attachment: The Unicorns of Reality TVSecurely attached individuals are comfortable with intimacy and independence. They communicate openly, trust their partners, and manage conflict in a healthy way. Because reality TV thrives on drama, secure individuals are less common in the Love Is Blind universe, but when they do appear, they stand out as stable, reassuring presences. Watch for contestants who navigate difficult conversations with ease, reassure their partners without becoming defensive, and express emotions without fear. 2. Anxious Attachment: The Emotional Roller CoastersPeople with an anxious attachment style crave closeness but often fear abandonment. They may come across as overly eager, needing constant reassurance, or spiraling when they sense emotional distance. On Love Is Blind, anxious attachers might rush into deep emotional connections quickly, seek constant validation, and react intensely when their partner seems less engaged. If you see someone who is frequently questioning their partner’s feelings or struggling with jealousy, they likely have an anxious attachment style. 3. Avoidant Attachment: The Commitment-PhobesAvoidantly attached individuals value independence and often struggle with emotional closeness. They might withdraw when things get too intimate or rationalize their way out of relationships. On the show, this often looks like someone who pulls away when their partner expresses deep emotions, hesitates to commit, or insists they need "space" when conflict arises. If you notice a contestant shutting down during emotional conversations or keeping their walls up, they may have an avoidant attachment style. 4. Disorganized Attachment: The Push-Pull DynamicThose with a disorganized attachment style experience a mix of anxious and avoidant behaviors. They crave love but fear getting hurt, leading to unpredictable relationship patterns. In Love Is Blind, you might see someone who is intensely affectionate one moment and distant the next, struggling with trust and often sabotaging their own happiness. This can manifest as dramatic breakups, sudden emotional outbursts, or a cycle of pushing their partner away and then desperately pulling them back. Why Attachment Style MattersUnderstanding attachment styles can give you a deeper insight into why certain relationships thrive while others crash and burn. It also helps us reflect on our own relationship patterns and how we might improve them. The next time you watch Love Is Blind, pay attention to how contestants handle emotional intimacy, conflict, and reassurance. It’s a reality show, yes, but it’s also a mirror reflecting how attachment styles play out in real-life relationships. How to Use This Information to Help Yourself in RelationshipsOnce you recognize your own attachment style, you can take steps to develop healthier relationship patterns:
Consider talking to a couples therapist or online therapistRecognizing these patterns in yourself is the first step toward cultivating more secure, fulfilling connections. Who knows? Maybe watching Love Is Blind with an attachment lens will help you make better choices in your own love life! What attachment styles have you spotted on the show? Drop a comment below! Read about my thoughts on cheating (based on Love is Blind 2024), Love is Blind UK, or other seasons of Love is Blind here, or read more about couples therapy and marriage counseling hot topics on our therapy blog. (Not sure what ENM means? Do you need a sex room? (spoiler alert: YES, you do need a sex room!) Thinking about opening your relationship? Interested in knowing more about self-love and pleasure?) Of course, if you're anywhere in Minnesota and want to connect, we would love to talk with you about relationships, sexual concerns, trauma and PTSD, and more.
Sex Therapy and Couples Counseling Services in MinnesotaOur LGBT & polyamory friendly sex therapists provide a wide range of mental health services at our Plymouth, MN counseling office. Our mental health services include sex therapy, therapy around sex and substances, couples therapy & marriage counseling, EFT, evidence-based couples therapy, EMDR & sexual trauma therapy, as well as, teen therapy. In order to help serve the mental health needs of all those living in Minnesota, we also offer online counseling & sex therapy. We also provide a variety of helpful tips on our mental health blog. Please feel free to reach out with questions, or if you would like to schedule an appointment to begin working with a skilled sex therapist! Your sex life can be amazing. Sex therapy can be a part of that process for you. We're thrilled to be named one of the "Top 20 Sex Therapy Blogs You Need to Follow"!!!See the full list here!
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