{"id":7843,"date":"2016-04-18T11:22:48","date_gmt":"2016-04-18T11:22:48","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/?p=7843"},"modified":"2026-02-05T09:21:05","modified_gmt":"2026-02-05T09:21:05","slug":"what-is-separation-anxiety-in-a-relationship","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.marriage.com\/advice\/separation\/what-is-separation-anxiety-in-a-relationship\/","title":{"rendered":"Separation Anxiety in Relationships: Signs, Causes & Ways to Deal"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

\"Sad<\/p>\n

Separation anxiety in relationships is a term we often hear in the context of a mother leaving her young child in the care of another person for the very first time. However, this phenomenon emcompasses a broader area.<\/span><\/p>\n

Another example of separation anxiety is when twins are placed in separate classes in elementary school, and they have to learn how to get through their day without the other by their side for the first time in their young lives.<\/span><\/p>\n

However, separation anxiety can also exist in a<\/span> romantic relationship<\/span><\/a> and can create a complex dynamics to deal with. Here is all you need to know about it. <\/span><\/p>\n

<\/span>What is separation anxiety in relationships?<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n

What do you understand about separation anxiety in relationships?<\/span><\/p>\n

Separation anxiety is most commonly recognized as a juvenile disorder in which children experience signs of anxiety when separated from their primary caregiver.<\/span><\/p>\n

However, adults have become increasingly diagnosed with an adult separation anxiety disorder (or ASAD) in more recent times. Relationship separation anxiety or separation anxiety in relationships is much the same as the disorder faced by children.<\/span><\/p>\n

However, these attachment figures typically include:<\/span><\/p>\n

  1. Spouses<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Boyfriends or girlfriends<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Siblings<\/span><\/li>\n
  4. Friends<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>

    Hence, we can use the terms like boyfriend separation anxiety or marriage separation anxiety for separation anxiety witnessed in adults.<\/span><\/p>\n

    On the other hand, children who experience separation anxiety during their juvenile years very often go on to live their adult lives anxiety-free.<\/span><\/p>\n

    \"Separation<\/p>\n

    Conversely, children who do not experience<\/span> separation anxiety during their childhood<\/span><\/a> still can develop separation anxiety in a relationship during their adult years.<\/span><\/p>\n

    <\/span>Can you have separation anxiety from your partner?<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n

    Separation anxiety in adult relationships can occur commonly. People can feel separation anxiety from boyfriend, girlfriend, partner, or spouse. <\/span><\/p>\n

    Some causes of separation anxiety in relationships include – <\/span><\/p>\n