While love addiction may sound less harmful than other forms of addiction, it can be a very difficult condition to live with.
People dealing with love addiction may find it difficult to be single for any length of time, feel obsessed with the idea of being in love and be terrified of losing loved ones. These feelings can often be all-consuming and can stop the sufferer from being able to enjoy healthy relationships with other people.
Here is some advice for recovering from love addiction and seeking out better relationships.
Be single for a while
Once you’ve realized you’re dealing with love addiction, the only thing to do is be single. Stop dating completely for a while and try not to pursue any romantic encounters.
You’ve probably heard that relationships take work – well, being single takes work as well, particularly if you’re not accustomed to being alone. Give yourself a break from the turmoil of being attached to someone else.
Do things you enjoy
Part of experiencing love addiction is believing that you’re not worth anything in your own right. Pursuing activities which make you happy is a good way to giving yourself back that sense of self-worth.
Being single is an excellent chance to do the things you enjoy without having to answer to anyone else. When you eventually do get into a relationship again, you’ll be better placed to be on an equal footing with your partner.
Consider counselling
Counseling can allow you to explore the feelings behind your love addiction and work out what has caused it. Any number of factors can contribute to love addiction, from an insecure childhood to an abusive former relationship. Getting the support you need to deal with your feelings will help you to let those feelings go and enjoy life once again.
Be kind to yourself
It can be hard when facing tough times to look around and imagine that everyone else has a better life than you do. Even if all of your friends are in relationships, it doesn’t mean that they are not facing their own difficulties. Try not to be too hard on yourself. Everyone has troubles to bear and it’s better that you are dealing with yours now.
Take things slow
When you do decide to start dating again, it’s a good idea to pace yourself. Online dating can give you the opportunity to talk to people before meeting them and arrange lots of dates before diving into a relationship.
Because it’s so flexible, it can open up a whole new way of thinking about relationships. Rather than seeking out just one person, you can try and meet a few different people and get to know them. You could even use dating websites to seek out new friends and leave the romance to develop on its own.
Photo Credit
Love Is Blind – By RosiePosieTosie on Flickr – Some Rights Reserved
Guest Author Bio
Hannah Jackson
Hannah Jackson is a freelance writer and mum of two based in the UK. She enjoys understanding relationships and exploring themes of commitment and love.
Good day Hannah.
Thank you for your inciteful article. It was advice I was sorely needing having recently been dumped for the 7th time by the same girlfriend…
Crazy I know, but I really believed she was the “one” and was so in love that I lost my common sense and disregarded all the advice given to me from everyone I know.
A week after our break up I now realise how destructive our relationship was and how I was the only one actually in love.
I will follow your advice as I have definitely been addicted to love, fearful of being alone and I am so emotionally drained and worn out.
Time for a long break, a lot of soul searching and taking my life in a new direction.
Thank you again for making a difference. Be well and at peace. x
Greg