When we think about bonding, there is a psychological term that is important. That term is “emotional object consistency”. What this means is that we experience bonding with a friend or loved one, that feeling is imprinted in us to the point that even when we are separate we can still feel the love and acceptance. This is an important part of our well being and ability to cope with the normal stress that arises throughout the days of our lives.
When we are not properly bonded, the feelings of anxiety we would feel on a normal day could be overwhelming. Life is very cruel. We get cut off when we drive, snipped at in the office, and the bad news can just pour in. If we can bask in the feelings of comfort and strength that we receive from our close relationships in those stressful time, life can be tolerable.