Valentine’s Day can bring joy, pressure, or even sadness, depending on our past experiences with love. How we viewed love in childhood often shapes our expectations and behaviours in relationships today. This article explores how unhelpful thought patterns and protective defences develop, and how recognising them can help us respond with greater awareness, compassion, and openness - both to ourselves and to others.

Have you ever wondered why some people find closeness comforting while others find it overwhelming?
Attachment styles are patterns we develop in childhood that can influence not only how we connect with others but also how we relate to ourselves. They affect trust, communication, and even the way we handle conflict.

The good news is that attachment styles are not fixed. With awareness and support, it is possible to move toward more secure and fulfilling relationships.