“Attached: The New Science of Adult Attachment and How It Can Help You Find and Keep Love” by Amir Levine and Rachel Heller
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REVIEW
I’ve always been an avid reader, but it’s not every day that a book resonates so deeply; it feels like a personal revelation. That is precisely the experience I had when I delved into “Attached: The New Science of Adult Attachment and How It Can Help You Find and Keep Love” by Amir Levine and Rachel Heller. It explores the fascinating world of attachment theory that hooked me from the first page.
This book’s power lies in its accessibility; it takes complex psychological theory and wraps it into something so digestible and relatable that you can’t help but see yourself and your relationships mirrored in its pages. One of the quotes that struck me early on reads, “The attachment principles teach us that most people are only as needy as their unmet needs.” I pondered this line for quite some time. It was as if someone had shone a spotlight on something I’d felt but never entirely managed to articulate. We often berate ourselves and others for being ‘needy’ in relationships, but Levine and Heller brilliantly articulate how these ‘needs’ are a basic part of human nature.
As I continued to navigate through the chapters, there were times when the prose touched a nerve. Reading about the ‘anxious’ attachment style was a rollercoaster ride of emotions: I saw my past self in those lines, which felt confronting and even painful. However, Levine and Heller’s compassionate tone and non-judgmental approach to presenting each attachment style were deeply reassuring.
The chapter that truly stirred me was “Single and Looking.” It was like stepping into a room full of reflections on my past and present dating life. Their assertion, “When it comes to choosing a romantic partner, the things we tend to value—education, income, physical attractiveness—aren’t as important as we think,” felt like a punch in the gut. My initial reaction was a mix of denial and self-doubt. However, the longer I sat with this revelation, the more I found myself nodding in agreement. How many times had I prioritised the superficial, only to find myself in a hollow or unfulfilling relationship?
Interestingly, the book doesn’t just dissect the problem; it offers practical solutions too. One of my most potent ones was: “When you’re looking for a partner, it’s most important to look at their actions, not words.” It’s a simple sentence that packs a powerful punch. It reminded me to focus less on what people say and more on what they do – an indispensable piece of advice that’s changed my perspective on relationships.
The section that expounded on the ‘secure’ attachment style was equally thought-provoking. It provided a blueprint for healthy, reciprocal love – the kind we all aspire to have. Reading it felt like a beacon of hope; it reassured me that a healthy, fulfilling connection was within my reach despite past trials.
What I appreciate most about Levine and Heller’s book is the absence of a moralistic undertone. There’s no ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ attachment style. Each one has its strengths and vulnerabilities. They argue that Understanding our attachment style is about gaining the tools to navigate our relationships more effectively, not assigning blame or judgement.
I can’t deny my sense of vulnerability as I journeyed through “Attached.” It was as if someone had delicately peeled back the layers of my heart, revealing its contours and crevices. It was a profound, sometimes uncomfortable, but enlightening journey of self-discovery.
The biggest takeaway from the book was this: Attachment is not a flaw; it’s part of our very core as social beings. It shapes our relationships and fundamentally influences how we interact with the world around us.
When I finally closed the book, I felt a sense of relief, like a weight lifted off my chest. I felt armed with a fresh understanding of myself and my approach to love. I was ready to chart a new path in my relationship journey, guided by the insights and wisdom Levine and Heller had generously shared.
“Attached” is not just a book; it’s a conversation about love, intimacy, and the deep-seated fears and desires that drive us. I highly recommend it to anyone yearning for a deeper understanding of themselves and their connections. It’s a challenging read at times, yes, but it’s also deeply rewarding. It’s a testament to the transformative power of self-awareness and the extraordinary potential of love when understood from the lens of attachment.
After all, as Levine and Heller state, “In an age of independence, it’s easy to forget that we’re social mammals with a fundamental need for connection.” How beautifully simple and profound.
10 TOP QUOTES FROM THE BOOK
“We have a tendency to think, ‘If I’m not happy, it’s my partner’s fault’ as we systematically overestimate the role our partners play in how we feel. The fact is, we carry our moods and vulnerabilities with us.”
“Most people are only as needy as their unmet needs.”
“When it comes to choosing a romantic partner, the things we tend to value—education, income, physical attractiveness—aren’t as important as we think.”
“In an age of independence, it’s easy to forget that we’re social mammals with a fundamental need for connection.”
“When you’re looking for a partner, it’s most important to look at their actions, not words.”
“Anxiously attached individuals can’t help but amplify the positive attributes of their partners when they’re not around. They’ll spend hours at a time thinking about all the wonderful times they spent with their partner, desperately trying to keep the person they crave so much alive in their mind.”
“Just as we’re biologically programmed to need an attachment figure (usually our biological mother), this connection doesn’t shut down in adulthood. It simply transfers to our romantic partner.”
“Being effectively dependent makes us more independent, not less.”
“The bottom line is that becoming a more securely attached individual will make you more independent, not less. That’s the paradox of attachment.”
“Understanding your attachment style and that of your partner is one of the most important things you can do to help move your relationship forward.”
Each of these quotes, in their unique way, captures the essence of the book’s underlying themes. They highlight the importance of understanding your attachment style and its role in your relationships.
Nanna Iskandar 