Connection vs. Attachment (what's the difference?) — Madelyn Moon (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between connection and attachment quotes? ›

Connection comes from the heart. Attachment comes from the mind.

Emotional attachment is the sense of connection and affection you may feel for people you are close to. It is a basic human need. 1 Attachment styles are a pretty buzzy concept right now when it comes to relationships, and you've probably considered whether you have an anxious, avoidant, or secure attachment style.

Love evokes fond feelings and actions toward the other person, particularly. Attachment is driven by how you feel about yourself with the degree of permanence and safety someone gives you, based on your past relationships. In other words, with love, your person is “the one” you have feelings for.

Non-attachment simply gives both parties the freedom to choose. It can, consequently, strengthen the bond as we consider, “my partner — and I — each have endless paths we could take; and still, in this moment, we are choosing to be together, not out of obligation or fear, but out of love.”

Connection, though also a form of love, requires a different awareness and a different sacrifice. Connection requires a willingness to be open to learning new insights, new perspectives, new ways of thinking, and new tools.

Attachment is need-based

While some needs are reasonable, with a deeply connected relationship this seems to flow with little effort. For example, you may feel you need to see your boyfriend every day or feel he needs to call or text you several times a day.

People whom we feel a deep connection with, are people whom we understand and understand us back. With these people we feel seen, heard and valued. Such a simple, yet integral concept. If it's an attachment to a person or relationship, it feels possessive.

When you are in love with someone, you feel free. You can finally be yourself around the person who knows you inside and out. But when you are attached to someone, you will notice that your feelings control your entire mind and body; in turn, you may even manipulate people to be with you.

Emotional attachment can feel intoxicating, like a powerful magnetic pull towards another person. It's often mistaken for love because it can create a strong bond, but this bond isn't always rooted in genuine, deep affection. True love, on the other hand, encompasses more than just emotional attachment.

Loving someone is about caring for the other person and their needs. It is about wanting to put someone before yourself and making sure they are as happy as they can be. The attachment, however, is all about you.

How to detach from someone you love deeply? ›

Detaching emotionally from someone you love requires a mindful approach and commitment to your own well-being. Begin by acknowledging your emotions without judgment. Allow yourself to feel whatever arises: sadness, anger, or longing. Then, establish clear boundaries to create space between you and the person.

It can be possible to be in love with someone while being insecurely attached, and it can be possible to securely attach to another person without loving them. It can be possible to move from an insecure attachment style to a secure one using therapy and other supportive strategies.

Emotional connection refers to a deep bond or understanding between people, whereas love often encompasses a broader range of feelings and commitments. Love may include an emotional connection, physical attraction, and a desire for a long-term partnership.

Connections are egoless and through the heart. They are 100% accepting of the other and there are no obligations for the other to act in a certain way in order for them to receive your love. Attachments on the other hand are more troublesome.

Emotional attachment refers to the feelings of closeness and affection that help sustain meaningful relationships over time. Emotional attachment refers to the feelings of closeness and affection that help sustain meaningful relationships over time. Attachment plays an important role in human connection.

For example: Many people use the term "attachment" colloquially to refer to a feeling of connection to someone that is distinct or different from a feeling of love. Many may also have varying definitions of attachment, many of which might come from attachment theory.

You need constant reassurance that you're cared for or loved

There is a sense that something is about to happen that will end relations or things will come crashing down. It may feel hard to believe someone values you, and you may feel like your worth is dependent on their reassurance.