The Psychological Roots of Insecure Friendships: Why We Assume Friends Hate Us
People often feel anxious when a friend seems distant or unresponsive, questioning if they’ve done something wrong. Psychotherapist Meg Josephson explains that this fear stems from a "fawn response"—a childhood pattern where individuals seek approval to avoid conflict. This reaction, common in women due to socialization, leads to reassurance-seeking and self-defeating cycles. Josephson’s book *Are You Mad At Me?* highlights that assuming friends hate you is a self-fulfilling prophecy. Instead of overanalyzing, pause for 30 minutes to acknowledge anxiety, trust friends’ reassurances, and understand that healthy conflict strengthens relationships. The key is releasing control over others’ perceptions to live more freely.