Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Start your free trial
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Listen to the Intro
Attached summary
Amir Levine
Rachel S. F. Heller
The New Science of Adult Attachment and How It Can Help You Find – and Keep – Love
15 mins
Brief summary
'Attached' by Amir Levine & Rachel Heller is a psychology book that explores how our attachment styles impact our relationships. It provides insights into why we are attracted to certain people, how to build more secure relationships, and avoid common pitfalls.
Table of Contents
Attached
Summary of 8 key ideas
Audio & text in the Blinkist app
Key idea 1 of 8
Everybody needs attachment to live a healthy and happy life.
We’re all familiar with that creeping feeling when we know our partner won’t be around for a while: distress. What is it that causes this feeling?
The distress of being away from our partner is caused by our feelings of attachment for one another.
But what exactly is attachment?
Attachment is a strong bond that two people share with each other, a bond which lasts over time and also forms a special need to keep in contact with one another. It could take the form of a mother-child relationship, or the form of a romantic relationship between two adults.
Interestingly, forming these bonds comes with many benefits. Having a close personal relationship with someone gives us a secure emotional foundation, which then helps us remain calm even in strenuous situations.
Being able to hold your partner’s hand during times of stress, for example, gives you support, knowing that this special someone will help you through the trouble. This connection makes even the most distressing situations feel much less frightening.
This was verified in a study that aimed to find out more about the healing effects of attachment by placing female participants in a stressful situation, but giving some participants the opportunity to hold their partner’s hand.
Researchers found that when a participant was able to hold her partner’s hand, her hypothalamus, that is the part of the brain that makes us feel emotional pressure, was less active than when she had to endure the stress alone.
Conversely, those who lack the bonds created by attachment are at greater risk of unhappiness and serious health risks.
In fact, when we find ourselves in an unhappy relationship, we don’t only suffer emotionally but also physically.
For example, if you aren’t satisfied with your marriage, your partner’s presence will actually raise your blood pressure due to the discomfort you feel when you’re around them. As long as you are in their proximity, your blood pressure will remain high, which can eventually lead to serious medical problems, such as heart disease.
Want to see all full key ideas from Attached?
Key ideas in Attached
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is Attached about?
Attached (2010) is all about how to make your relationships work. This book offers you valuable insight into the science of adult attachment and how to use this insight in everyday life, whether you’re in a committed relationship or are still looking for love. It also provides tips and tricks on how to find the perfect partner and reveals why some people just aren’t compatible.
Attached Review
Attached (2010) explores the science behind adult attachment and how it plays a pivotal role in our relationships. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- With its insightful analysis and practical advice, it sheds light on the dynamics of attachment styles and offers guidance on creating healthier and more fulfilling connections.
- By drawing on extensive research and real-life examples, it provides a comprehensive understanding of the impact attachment has on our emotional well-being.
- The book's ability to relate and resonate with readers, thanks to relatable stories and relatable experiences, ensures that it remains engaging and far from boring.
Best quote from Attached
In a true partnership, both partners view it as their responsibility to ensure the others emotional well-being.
—Amir Levine and Rachel S. F. Heller
Who should read Attached?
- Anyone who wants to make a current relationship happier and more fulfilling
- Anyone who is struggling to find “the one”
- Anyone who just doesn’t understand why their relationships never work out
Categories with Attached
Book summaries like Attached
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
35 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
Attached FAQs
What is the main message of Attached?
The main message of Attached is understanding attachment styles to improve relationships.
How long does it take to read Attached?
The reading time for Attached varies but the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Attached a good book? Is it worth reading?
Attached is a valuable read for anyone looking to enhance their relationships. It provides insights into attachment styles and practical advice for improving connection.
Who is the author of Attached?
The authors of Attached are Amir Levine and Rachel S. F. Heller.
What to read after Attached?
If you're wondering what to read next after Attached, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Securely Attached by Eli Harwood
- Eight Dates by John Gottman
- Getting The Love You Want by Harville Hendrix
- Boundaries by Henry Cloud and John Townsend
- Wired for Love by Stan Tatkin
- Hold Me Tight by Sue Johnson
- The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman
- How to Love Someone Without Losing Your Mind by Todd Baratz
- Dynamic Drive by Molly Fletcher
- Deeper Dating by Ken Page