Anxious and avoidant attachment styles can be a problematic combination in relationships as they tend to be at odds with each other. Individuals with an anxious attachment style tend to have a strong need for closeness and security in relationships and may fear abandonment, leading to clinginess and insecurity. On the other hand, individuals with an avoidant attachment style may have a fear of intimacy and prefer to maintain emotional distance, leading to feelings of rejection and unavailability.

In a relationship between an anxious and an avoidant individual, the anxious partner may pursue closeness and security, while the avoidant partner may resist intimacy and pull away. This can create a cycle of pursuing and withdrawing, leading to frustration, disappointment, and insecurity for both partners. Over time, this pattern can erode trust and emotional connection, making it difficult to maintain a healthy and fulfilling relationship.