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Dismissive avoidant individuals often have a deep-rooted fear of vulnerability, which is instilled by experiences of emotional neglect in childhood. This fear leads them to seek casual relationships rather than forming deeper commitments, as they anticipate emotional pain and neglect once they become invested. As a result, they may initially appear stoic or emotionally unavailable, masking their real attachment patterns until genuine feelings begin to develop. This behavior can confuse their partners, who may feel an emotional whiplash as the dismissive avoidant pulls away just as feelings intensify.