The anxious/avoidant struggle is surprisingly common. Research suggests that a significant number of couples experience this push-and-pull dynamic where repeated cycles of closeness and withdrawal can create confusion emotional exhaustion, and self-doubt, making it feel far more challenging than it needs to be.

In today’s hyper-connected world, it’s becoming increasingly common for people to spend more time on social media than engaging with their significant other. While this behavior may seem harmless at first glance — just a few minutes scrolling through updates or watching short videos — it can slowly erode the quality of connection in a relationship. The dynamics behind this shift are complex. Social media offers instant gratification, distraction from stress, and the illusion of social interaction. Unlike real-life relationships, which require emotional effort, patience, and vulnerability, social media provides a curated escape where a person can control what they see and how they are seen. This allure can be especially tempting when real-life relationships feel difficult, unfulfilling, or mundane.