Hope: 8 Ways to Grow Secure Attachment in Your Relationship

Hope: 8 Ways to Grow Secure Attachment in Your Relationship

1. “We’re Not Enemies”

Work toward being less reactive during conflict.
Remind yourself—and each other—“This isn’t us. We’re not enemies; we’re just stuck in a negative communication cycle.”
This mindset can interrupt blame and make space for understanding.

2. “You Are Good”

Work on holding a positive view of your partner, even when things are difficult.
Try to remember:
“This moment is hard, but underneath your protections, I know that you love me—and that you are good.”
This softens the lens through which we view each other in tense moments.

3. “Embrace the Little Moments”

Small gestures have big emotional impact.
Use everyday moments to show affection: spontaneous hugs, sweet texts, warm words, simple gratitude—anything that says:
“I see you. I love you. You are important to me.”

4. “This Too Shall Pass”

Every couple has hard days.
Don’t make conflict mean something it doesn’t. Tell yourself:
“This is not a rejection of me. All loving relationships have hard moments. How can we work through this without going to scary places in our minds?”

5. “Real Love Is a Long-Game”

Show up as your best self—not to get something back, but because of who you want to be in the relationship.
Sometimes love means being disappointed in a moment and still choosing connection.
Long-term security comes from consistent, grounded love.

6. “Closeness Creates Resilience”

Share thoughts, feelings, and emotions—even when it’s hard.
Respond with care and curiosity. If you’re unsure how to support each other, say that, then be patient and start learning together.
Couples who feel connected have something powerful to draw upon during times of stress.

7. “Connection Comes From Separateness”

Support each other’s need for autonomy.
It’s okay—and even healthy—to have differences:

  • Opinions

  • Hobbies

  • Ways of relaxing

  • Friendships

Compatibility matters, but differences invite us to feel accepted for who we really are.
What says “I love you” more than “I can accept you, even when you’re different from me?”

8. “I’m Willing to Do My Part”

Secure attachment is a two-person commitment, but sometimes one partner may grow faster than the other.
Take responsibility for your part in maintaining connection—even when your partner isn’t being their best self.

Being easy to love means showing up, staying open, and committing to the work—even when it’s hard.

Related Resources

Support for Growing Secure Attachment

Explore resources that support deeper emotional connection:

  • Attachment 101 Course – Understand how your attachment style impacts your relationship and how to shift toward security.

  • Couples Group – Tools and insights for creating healthy patterns and building emotional safety.

  • The Secure Love Podcast – Listen to real-time couples coaching sessions focused on building secure bonds.

  • Coaching Support – Get personalized guidance as you work toward a secure, connected relationship.

A secure relationship is built not on perfection, but on consistent efforts to create emotional safety, empathy, and connection.
— Julie Menanno

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Julie Menanno MA, LMFT, LCPC

Julie Menanno, MA is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, and Relationship Coach. Julie operates a clinical therapy practice in Bozeman, Montana, and leads a global relationship coaching practice with a team of trained coaches. She is an expert in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for Couples and specializes in attachment issues within relationships.

Julie is the author of the best-selling book Secure Love, published by Simon and Schuster in January 2024. She provides relationship insights to over 1.3 million Instagram followers and hosts The Secure Love Podcast, where she shares real-time couples coaching sessions to help listeners navigate relational challenges. Julie also hosts a bi-weekly discussion group on relationship and self-help topics. A sought-after public speaker and podcast guest, Julie is dedicated to helping individuals and couples foster secure, fulfilling relationships.

Julie lives in Bozeman, Montana, with her husband of 25 years, their six children, and their beloved dog. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, skiing, Pilates, reading psychology books, and studying Italian.

https://www.thesecurerelationship.com/
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Unmet Childhood Attachment Needs: How Early Experiences Shape Adult Relationships