Why You’d Rather Watch The Office Than Deal With Stress

Ever have one of those days when stress is mounting, and rewatching The Office for the twentieth time feels more appealing than facing reality? If that sounds familiar, let’s explore the intriguing world of avoidant attachment and its subtle triggers.

The ABCs of Attachment Theory

Picture this: you’ve just finished an intense phone call and feel emotionally drained. Suddenly, the pull of your favorite sitcom becomes irresistible. What’s really happening here?

This is where attachment theory comes in. Pioneered by psychologists Bowlby and Ainsworth, this theory explains how our early emotional bonds shape the way we handle stress and emotional discomfort as adults.

Sneaking Past Feelings

Among different attachment styles, the avoidant type is like that friend who always has an “exit plan” when emotions run high.

If you have an avoidant attachment style, you might shy away from emotional closeness, prioritize independence to an extreme, and retreat into comforting distractions when things get intense. When emotions feel like a wild roller coaster, you’d rather stay safely on the ground and watch from a distance.

A Closer Look at Avoidant Attachment Triggers

So how does an avoidant attachment style lead you to choose a TV marathon over dealing with tough feelings?

Research shows that people with avoidant attachment often use distraction as a coping strategy. Instead of facing emotional discomfort, they redirect their attention to something less overwhelming.

Studies indicate that avoidantly attached individuals are more likely to shift focus from negative emotions toward neutral or positive activities. This might mean burying yourself in work, diving into hobbies, or escaping into a comforting TV binge.

Enter Alcohol

Ever said, “I need a drink”? If that thought pops up after a tough day or emotional situation, it might be worth looking at the link between avoidant attachment and alcohol use.

Attachment theory suggests that our early relationships influence how we manage stress as adults. Avoidant attachment can be subtle—it encourages us to dodge emotional closeness, stress, and anxiety.

Research indicates that those with an avoidant attachment style may be more likely to turn to alcohol as a coping mechanism. Alcohol can temporarily shield you from uncomfortable feelings, offering the emotional distance that avoidant individuals often seek.

In other words, that Friday night glass of wine or whiskey might be your subconscious way of keeping stress and emotional discomfort at arm’s length. Recognizing this pattern is the first step toward healthier coping and stronger emotional resilience.

Tackle Your Triggers

Now that we’ve uncovered some of the workings of avoidant attachment, here are steps to help you manage these triggers:

• Identify your triggers. Notice which situations or emotions make you seek distractions—conflict, criticism, or vulnerability?
• Understand your attachment style. Recognize your avoidance patterns. Greater self-awareness helps you manage your responses.
• Feel your feelings. It’s not easy, but allowing yourself to experience and express emotions can be empowering.
• Establish healthy habits. Develop ways to handle emotional stress without avoidance—try exercise, mindfulness, or creative activities.
• Build a support network. Surround yourself with trusted friends or family who can offer support when needed.
• Practice self-compassion. Change is a process. Be patient with yourself and celebrate small steps forward.
• Seek professional help. If managing avoidant attachment triggers feels too difficult, reach out to a mental health professional.

Next time you feel the urge to escape into a sitcom or pour a drink instead of facing stress, remember—it might be your avoidant attachment style at play. With these tools, you’ll be better prepared to engage rather than retreat.

Ready To Make Changes in Your Life?

Although it isn’t a treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD), the Quitemate app can help you cut back on drinking gradually, with science-backed knowledge to support you every step of the way. Our proven program has helped millions worldwide drink less and live more—and we’re here to help you, too!

Quitemate gives you the knowledge and skills not just to survive drinking less, but to thrive on the journey. Daily research-backed readings explain the neuroscience of alcohol, and our in-app Toolkit offers resources and activities for each challenge.

You’ll connect with millions of fellow users in our 24/7 Forum chat and daily Zoom check-ins. Get encouragement from people around the world who understand what you’re going through! You can also connect with licensed Quitemate coaches for personalized guidance.

We’re always adding new features to enhance your experience. Recently, we launched our in-app chatbot, Melody, powered by advanced AI technology. Melody is here to support you as you adjust to life with less or no alcohol.

And there’s more! Each month, we introduce fun challenges like Dry/Damp January, Mental Health May, and Outdoorsy June. Join in alongside other Quitemate users—or go solo if you prefer!

Quitemate is free for 7 days, so you’ve got nothing to lose by trying it. Ready to feel empowered and discover life beyond alcohol? Download the app from the App Store or Google Play today!