Abandonment is the deeply painful experience of being cut off from a person whom we have relied on for support or stability, often with no notice, explanation, or opportunity for reconnection. Childhood experiences of abandonment can have deep-seated and long-lasting impacts on our relationship patterns for years, and abandonment by friends or romantic partners as adults can plunge us into self-doubt and hypervigilance. We can struggle to maintain healthy relationships, whether by isolating ourselves from deep connection out of self-protection or being so demanding of someone’s attention or reassurance that we end up driving them away. Exploring practices around self-worth and self-acceptance can help us reclaim ourselves, finding closure and internal stability as we find new ways to connect with those around us.