In the UK we’re addicted to distracting ourselves. There’s no distraction more powerful than LOVE.
More often than not, the love addict becomes passionately attracted to someone who is emotionally unavailable, at times withdrawn and unresponsive, or to someone who will disregard or neglect the relationship.
So then, how do you know if you, or the person you're dating is a love addict? Here are a few signs...
1. INABILITY TO LET GO
Finding it almost impossible to let go of an unhealthy relationship even if your love is not returned and you know you should leave.
2. FEAR OF ABANDONMENT
Being terrified of rejection and abandonment, and consequently holding on to the relationship for fear that you won’t survive alone.
3. WORRYING THEY DON'T FEEL THE SAME
Feeling anxious and panicky, fearing they don’t feel the same way as you and that you won’t survive without them.
4. AWKWARDNESS IN THEIR PRESENCE
A chronic fear of rejection and an unsettling shyness, awkwardness in the presence of the beloved/partner.
6. USING YOUR PARTNER FOR SELF-APPROVAL
You equate love and relationships with self-esteem and/or self-worth. Searching for self approval in your partner.
7. THEY'RE YOUR ONLY SOURCE OF HAPPINESS
The relationship becomes the centre of your universe and your main/only source of happiness and meaning. Being in love often feels like being in emotional pain.
Here Alan Robarge explains more about love addiction and the connection to attachment injury. He talks about trauma being defined according to
each person’s nervous system and their own level and degree of overwhelm.
Comments