Have you ever caught yourself relating more to Allie than Hannah? Or maybe you see yourself in Garrett, Dean, or even John Logan. While each character is unique and approaches relationships differently, every main character in Off-Campus Season 1 displays patterns that resemble one of the four attachment styles and demonstrates how those patterns can influence dating and relationships. While no character fits perfectly into one category, understanding their relationship patterns offers a fun way to explore the psychology behind connection, vulnerability, and emotional intimacy.
Secure Attachment Style
Secure attachment is considered the healthiest attachment style and is often characterized by open communication, emotional regulation, trust, and the ability to maintain stable relationships. People with a secure attachment style are generally comfortable with both independence and emotional closeness. While they still experience conflict and moments of insecurity, they are typically willing to communicate, reflect, and grow through those experiences.
Hannah and Garrett are strong examples of secure attachment throughout Off-Campus. Hannah communicates her feelings and boundaries with Garrett while maintaining her own sense of independence and self-worth. Garrett is emotionally available, expresses his feelings openly, and works through conflict instead of avoiding it. Together, they build a relationship based on mutual trust, respect, and support, encouraging each other to become the best versions of themselves.
Although Hannah occasionally avoids difficult situations and Garrett sometimes pushes people away or lets his emotions get the best of him, they both work through these moments by communicating openly and remaining willing to grow. Rather than allowing conflict to define their relationship, they use it as an opportunity to better understand one another. Hannah and Garrett remind us that people with secure attachment styles are not perfect. Even when you try your best, you’re still going to have moments when you struggle.
Anxious Attachment Style
Anxious attachment is a form of insecure attachment that is often associated with low self-esteem, fear of abandonment, and difficulty feeling secure in relationships. People with this attachment style may seek frequent reassurance, overthink their relationships, or worry that the people they care about will eventually leave them.
Allie is one example of an anxious attachment style as she navigates her breakup with Sean. Even though they have broken up and gotten back together before, she feels emotionally stuck and seeks reassurance through a casual hookup. Throughout the season, she frequently worries about both her past and current relationships and struggles with spending time alone. Her emotions often leave her questioning whether she is making the right decisions, making it difficult for her to fully trust herself.
As her relationship with Dean develops, we continue to see these anxious tendencies. She becomes fearful of getting too close to him and even creates a rule that they should both continue hooking up with other people. While this boundary may seem protective, it reflects her fear of vulnerability and the possibility of being hurt. Being afraid that someone truly sees and understands you is one way Allie represents people with an anxious attachment style. Over time, however, she also demonstrates that attachment styles are not fixed and that healthier relationship patterns can be developed.
Avoidant Attachment Style
Avoidant attachment is another form of insecure attachment. People with an avoidant attachment style tend to value independence to the point where emotional closeness can feel uncomfortable. They may struggle with vulnerability, have difficulty expressing their emotions, and often pull away when relationships become more serious. These patterns can appear in romantic relationships, friendships, and even family relationships.
John Logan demonstrates many characteristics commonly associated with avoidant attachment style because he consistently keeps his thoughts and feelings to himself. He hides his feelings for Hannah, allowing his fear of rejection to prevent him from expressing them. Even when his feelings are brought up by Jules, he deflects the conversation and still doesn’t admit them.
His relationship with his family reflects this pattern as well. Logan avoids visiting his mother because he fears the emotions the experience may bring up. As a result, he distances himself from the people he cares about in an attempt to protect both them and himself. Logan reminds us that avoidant attachment is often less about not caring and more about fearing the vulnerability that comes with emotional closeness.
Disorganized Attachment Style
Disorganized attachment is the final form of insecure attachment and combines characteristics of both anxious and avoidant attachment styles. People with this attachment style often crave close relationships while simultaneously fearing them. They may send mixed signals, struggle with vulnerability, and feel unsure of how to navigate emotional intimacy.
Dean is a character who represents many traits associated with a disorganized attachment style. Throughout much of the season, he struggles to let himself form emotional connections beyond physical attraction, maintaining casual hookups as a way to avoid deeper emotional vulnerability.
As his relationship with Allie grows, Dean struggles to understand and express his emotions. He represents people who crave meaningful connection but become overwhelmed when relationships begin to feel serious. His character shows that mixed signals are not always the result of a lack of care but can sometimes reflect uncertainty about how to navigate emotional closeness.
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Understanding your attachment style can help you recognize relationship patterns and identify areas for personal growth. At Manhattan Wellness, we understand the important role attachment styles play in building healthy, secure relationships and becoming the best version of yourself. Through our safe space for growth and rejuvenation, you can be your best self. We believe you have the power to make the changes to better your mental health, and we are here to help. Take control of your life and make a difference.
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