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The ‘Puffer-Fishing’ Dating Trend Might Explain Why You’re Still Single

“I often see this with my clients who are emotionally guarded, most often avoidantly attached.”

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Buckle up, everyone: there’s a “new” dating trend going around, and it’s sabotaging healthy connections before they even have the chance to form. Labeled “puffer-fishing,” this pattern has actually been around for quite some time, and it’s certainly not a new concept—but it might explain why you’re still single. 

Let’s dive right in with the puffer fish.

What Is Puffer-Fishing in Dating?

Puffer-fishing is a dating trend in which someone lashes out or pushes others away when they get too close.

“‘Puffer-fishing’ is essentially emotional self-protection masked as avoidance, chaos, or mixed signals,” says Lisa Chen, LMFT, relationship expert and founder of Lisa Chen & Associates, a group boutique practice specializing in relationships.........

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