Good day, question asker!
From reading your account, I get the impression that you are a very aware person who can perceive your own similar coping behavior patterns. This is a very positive quality!
For instance, when you find yourself in a disagreement with friends, partners, or family members, you may find yourself reverting to a similar behavioural pattern.
There are a few possible explanations for this situation.
1. It is also possible that you may benefit from this behavior pattern.
I wonder if I might ask what is meant by the term "secondary gain" in psychology?
It is possible that the visitor gains benefits through the illness, such as getting attention from the outside world, parental attention, satisfying their narcissistic mentality, or getting compensation. It seems that the visitor gains more benefits when they are sick than when they are healthy or when they recover from the illness.
In summary, secondary gain can be understood as a way of using symptoms to influence others in a way that serves one's own needs.
The questioner mentioned that they tend to respond to challenges in a similar manner, which may be indicative of a past experience where this approach proved beneficial.
For instance, when your boyfriend does something that doesn't align with your expectations, you tend to end the relationship. This approach has the potential to elicit a response from your boyfriend, where he may express a desire to remain in the relationship. In such instances, you may experience a sense of being highly valued, or a desire to be valued, or even a feeling that the other person is dependent on you.
Additionally, there have been instances where my family and I have had differing opinions and experienced disagreements. On a few occasions, I have even considered leaving home.
It's possible that when you act angry, your family will be more compliant with you. Additionally, if you run away from home, your family will likely be desperate and look for you everywhere. This could also be a way of feeling cared for and valued. It's possible that you use this behavior pattern to satisfy the subconscious' thirst.
2. Could this kind of active severing of relationships be a way to "protect" yourself?
Our actions are often shaped by our inner thoughts and feelings. It seems that the questioner is not fully happy in this relationship, and is therefore avoiding or ending it. It might be helpful to consider the underlying desires and motivations behind these actions.
Perhaps it would be helpful for the original poster to consider whether this behavior might actually be a way of protecting themselves.
I'm concerned about being hurt by others, so I try to address any potential issues as soon as they arise.
Some people may experience a certain level of fear and worry in relationships, which can often be related to their upbringing. They may feel a sense of unease about losing control of the relationship, being hurt in the relationship, being denied, or being rejected. In such instances, they may choose to take the initiative to cut off contact as a means of maintaining some control over the situation. By doing so, they can at least retain some agency in the relationship and potentially manage the pain they may be experiencing.
If you don't take the initiative to end the relationship, it might become unmanageable, and the pain you experience at this time might be overwhelming. It might be helpful for the original poster to reflect on their feelings in the relationship. Is there a sense of fear?
Perhaps cutting off the relationship on your own initiative could be seen as a way to protect yourself. You may wish to reflect on this carefully.
3. It would be beneficial to learn how to deal with it in a constructive manner.
From a psychological perspective, it is not uncommon for us to respond in familiar ways when dealing with our emotions or external events. It is similar to when we go to a certain destination and realize that there are actually many roads that can get there, but we tend to habitually take the same one. It is also the case when we go to the store to buy something and we always tend to go to a store we're familiar with.
Often, we find ourselves dealing with our emotions in ways that may not be the most effective, even though we may not have a better option at the time.
With the benefit of new learning, we may find ourselves able to express our emotions in different ways and have new experiences. This could lead to a shift away from our old patterns. The original poster may therefore wish to consider learning and self-improvement, increasing their awareness, exploring more constructive ways of expressing their emotions, and developing more mature communication skills.
I believe it has the potential to make a difference and help us better understand and get to know others. I highly recommend Nonviolent Communication for communication.
The original poster may also find it helpful to read some books on the subject or listen to some audio recordings to learn more about reasonable emotional expression and mature ways to deal with conflicts.
I wish you the best!


Comments
I can relate to feeling lost when it comes to handling conflicts. It's tough when you see a pattern in yourself that pushes people away, but recognizing this is already a big step. Maybe we could explore ways for you to express your feelings without resorting to extreme actions like breaking up?
It sounds like you're really hard on yourself and feel responsible for the breakup. Have you considered talking to a counselor or therapist? They can offer strategies to cope with disagreements in healthier ways. You deserve to learn how to navigate these challenges.
Your desire to reconnect shows there's still something worth fighting for in this relationship. Perhaps discussing your fears openly with your boyfriend could lead to mutual understanding. It's about finding a balance between expressing your concerns and working through them together.
I admire your selfawareness; not everyone can see their patterns so clearly. This insight can be powerful if you channel it into personal growth. Consider joining support groups or workshops focused on communication skills and conflict resolution.
It's heartbreaking to hear you feel so uncomfortable during conflicts. What if you started practicing mindfulness or meditation? These practices can help you stay grounded in the moment and reduce the urge to escape or cut ties when things get tough.