Anxious Attachment and THESE SUMMER STORMS by Sarah MacLean
- Marisa Gelfand
- Sep 4
- 2 min read
Alice Storm grew up surrounded by wealth and influence as the daughter of tech visionary Franklin Storm. But inside the Storm household, love was transactional. Affection was earned, not given—dependent on obedience, achievement, and fitting into her parents’ carefully curated image.
While the world trusted Franklin’s company for innovation, Alice learned early not to trust anyone. Her parents prioritized control over connection, leaving her with a deep fear that vulnerability would lead to rejection.
This pattern was evident in the week after Franklin’s death, when Alice and her siblings had to complete tasks to receive their inheritance—one final power play from their father. Though Alice wanted to open up to her siblings and a romantic interest, old wounds resurface. Every step toward trust felt dangerous, shaped by a lifetime of conditional love.
Alice experiences anxious attachment.
Attachment styles are shaped by the emotional bonds we form with our earliest caregivers. When those caregivers are consistent, attentive, and emotionally available, kids learn to feel secure—and carry that stability into future relationships. But when care is unreliable or distant, children learn not to expect comfort or connection. This can follow them into adulthood, showing up as mistrust, fear of abandonment, and doubts about whether others truly care. Even in safe, loving relationships, trusting someone can feel nearly impossible.
Here are tools for people with anxious attachment styles:
Create Parting Rituals: Establish a simple, consistent ritual to mark time apart and your return—like a hug, eye contact, and “See you at dinner.” Even small gestures can reinforce the sense that separation is temporary and connection is ongoing.
Notice Your Emotions: When insecurity creeps in—especially with someone who’s consistently shown up for you—try naming the feeling and gently reminding yourself of the evidence that this relationship is safe and trustworthy.
Seek Support: Talking with a therapist trained in attachment can help you understand your patterns and build healthier ones. As trust grows in that relationship, it can serve as a model for building trust elsewhere.
