Is It Love Or Emotional Dependency? 20 Signs Of Unhealthy Attachment

Most people confuse emotional dependency with love because of its intensity. Have you ever noticed any signs of being dependent on your partner? Perhaps an unhealthy attachment towards them? If yes, then continue reading below!

Have you ever become wrapped up in a whirlwind romance, only to later discover that your partner was not who you thought they were? Did you cast your partner in your image of a perfect lover, rather than discovering their true nature? Did you look to them for a sense of purpose, identity, and self-worth?

We often feel that we are in love when really we are in need of validation.

Immature people falling in love

Below are twenty signs that your relationship may have more to do with emotional dependence than true love.

Emotional Dependency vs Love: 20 Signs You Are Emotionally Dependent

1. You are often jealous when your partner spends time with other people.

2. Your partnership is causing you or your significant other to withdraw from relationships and hobbies that used to be important.

3. You find yourself feeling possessive of your partner. You don’t trust other women/men around him/her. You are afraid your partner will get stolen away from you.

Read 5 Ways to Deal with a Possessive Partner

4. You have changed your favorite sports teams, spiritual practices, or political affiliation to please your partner.

5. When your partner is not with you, you feel empty, alone, or bored.

6. You need constant reminders that your partner loves you.

7. You will cancel plans with family or friends to spend time with your partner.

8. You fish for compliments.

9. You like to have some degree of control over your partner. If they don’t do what you want them to, you feel distraught.

10. Your partner’s validation is more important than your own.

11. If you lost your partner, you fear that you would be unable to move on with your life.

12. Your partner has to meet specific expectations. If not, you do not feel loved or safe.

Read 13 Signs You’re The Toxic Partner In Your Relationship

13. You pressure your partner to do or say things that they are not comfortable with.

Codependency isn't sexy

14. You give in to pressure from your partner to say or do things that you are not comfortable with.

15. If your partner does not call when you expect them to, you feel anxiety. You worry that they no longer love you.

16. Your sense of self-worth relies on your partner’s affection and approval.

17. You are more focused on your partner’s feelings for you than on their identity and personality.

18. You feel that you can change your partner into the person you want to be with.

19. Who your partner is on the inside does not matter as much as who they appear to be in front of you and others.

Read Are You Losing Yourself In Your Relationship? Stages of Codependency and What To Do

20. You tend to idealize people, and then fall apart when they do not live up to your image of them.

Love is not the same as neediness. Two people who are truly in love are able to trust, respect, and accept one another. These things are rarely present in an emotionally dependent partnership.

True love involves knowing and loving oneself and then giving the same to another person. This is how two human beings are able to build a happy life together.

If you have fallen into a pattern of emotionally dependent relationships, you may want to take some time alone to find yourself. This sounds scary, but the most important things are. However, if you can do it, you may find that learning to know and love yourself is the most powerful thing you ever choose to do.

Related: CRAFT Approach: Addiction Treatment And Codependency

If you want to know more about the signs you are emotionally dependent on your partner, then check out this video below:


Originally appeared on IheartIntelligence.com
20 Signs You Are Emotionally Dependent And Not In Love

Published On:

Last updated on:

iheartintelligence

The main goal of I Heart Intelligence is to share interesting stories, amazing facts, and fun, intelligent, and inspiring content. The authors here at I Heart Intelligence choose to present information without bias to let the readers think harder and come to their own conclusions. The owners of the site don’t always personally agree with everything published here, but do think that these subjects are worth exploration, critical thought, discussion, and debate.

Disclaimer: The informational content on The Minds Journal have been created and reviewed by qualified mental health professionals. They are intended solely for educational and self-awareness purposes and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are experiencing emotional distress or have concerns about your mental health, please seek help from a licensed mental health professional or healthcare provider.

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Most people confuse emotional dependency with love because of its intensity. Have you ever noticed any signs of being dependent on your partner? Perhaps an unhealthy attachment towards them? If yes, then continue reading below!

Have you ever become wrapped up in a whirlwind romance, only to later discover that your partner was not who you thought they were? Did you cast your partner in your image of a perfect lover, rather than discovering their true nature? Did you look to them for a sense of purpose, identity, and self-worth?

We often feel that we are in love when really we are in need of validation.

Immature people falling in love

Below are twenty signs that your relationship may have more to do with emotional dependence than true love.

Emotional Dependency vs Love: 20 Signs You Are Emotionally Dependent

1. You are often jealous when your partner spends time with other people.

2. Your partnership is causing you or your significant other to withdraw from relationships and hobbies that used to be important.

3. You find yourself feeling possessive of your partner. You don’t trust other women/men around him/her. You are afraid your partner will get stolen away from you.

Read 5 Ways to Deal with a Possessive Partner

4. You have changed your favorite sports teams, spiritual practices, or political affiliation to please your partner.

5. When your partner is not with you, you feel empty, alone, or bored.

6. You need constant reminders that your partner loves you.

7. You will cancel plans with family or friends to spend time with your partner.

8. You fish for compliments.

9. You like to have some degree of control over your partner. If they don’t do what you want them to, you feel distraught.

10. Your partner’s validation is more important than your own.

11. If you lost your partner, you fear that you would be unable to move on with your life.

12. Your partner has to meet specific expectations. If not, you do not feel loved or safe.

Read 13 Signs You’re The Toxic Partner In Your Relationship

13. You pressure your partner to do or say things that they are not comfortable with.

Codependency isn't sexy

14. You give in to pressure from your partner to say or do things that you are not comfortable with.

15. If your partner does not call when you expect them to, you feel anxiety. You worry that they no longer love you.

16. Your sense of self-worth relies on your partner’s affection and approval.

17. You are more focused on your partner’s feelings for you than on their identity and personality.

18. You feel that you can change your partner into the person you want to be with.

19. Who your partner is on the inside does not matter as much as who they appear to be in front of you and others.

Read Are You Losing Yourself In Your Relationship? Stages of Codependency and What To Do

20. You tend to idealize people, and then fall apart when they do not live up to your image of them.

Love is not the same as neediness. Two people who are truly in love are able to trust, respect, and accept one another. These things are rarely present in an emotionally dependent partnership.

True love involves knowing and loving oneself and then giving the same to another person. This is how two human beings are able to build a happy life together.

If you have fallen into a pattern of emotionally dependent relationships, you may want to take some time alone to find yourself. This sounds scary, but the most important things are. However, if you can do it, you may find that learning to know and love yourself is the most powerful thing you ever choose to do.

Related: CRAFT Approach: Addiction Treatment And Codependency

If you want to know more about the signs you are emotionally dependent on your partner, then check out this video below:


Originally appeared on IheartIntelligence.com
20 Signs You Are Emotionally Dependent And Not In Love

Published On:

Last updated on:

iheartintelligence

The main goal of I Heart Intelligence is to share interesting stories, amazing facts, and fun, intelligent, and inspiring content. The authors here at I Heart Intelligence choose to present information without bias to let the readers think harder and come to their own conclusions. The owners of the site don’t always personally agree with everything published here, but do think that these subjects are worth exploration, critical thought, discussion, and debate.

Leave a Comment

    Leave a Comment