Love should bring balance, joy, and security—not obsession, fear, or emptiness.
Love addiction often disguises itself as deep passion, but in reality, it creates emotional dependency and self-doubt.
Healthy love allows for independence and mutual respect, while love addiction ties happiness solely to the presence of another person.
If you recognize yourself in these patterns, know that healing is possible. Therapy can help you regain emotional balance and build healthier relationships. 💛
Life Perspective (The Main Difference)
- In Love: "I feel good with you, and I feel good without you because I know that you love me. I find happiness in the fact that you exist in this world and that we are together."
- In Love Addiction: "I feel good only when you are near, and I feel bad when you are not. I breathe through you. I miss you intensely and cannot live without you. When we are together, I experience moments of wild happiness, but when you're gone, I feel overwhelming emptiness. Or even: I feel bad with you, but without you, it's even worse.
Relationship Dynamics
- In Love: "We love each other equally. The way you love me is the way I love you. We are equals, and our feelings are stable and long-lasting."
- In Love Addiction: "You are my 'God.' I am ready to do anything for you. I will give you everything as long as you stay with me.
Emotional Experience
- In Love: "I am happy knowing that I am loved. I feel confident, calm, and treat my partner with tenderness and care."
- In Love Addiction: "I am happy only when you are near, but when you're gone, I constantly torment myself with thoughts like, 'What if you...", 'What if something happens..., 'Where are you? Who are you with?' and so on.
Behavior in Relationships
- In Love: "I love as I can, sincerely and with all my heart."
- In Love Addiction: "Out of fear of losing my loved one, I play the role of the 'perfect' partner, afraid of appearing awkward, inexperienced, or not passionate enough.'
Self-Perception
- In Love: "I am an individual. I am worthy of love because I am loved, and I also love."
- In Love Addiction: "Why should I love myself if I love you? I am unsure of my appearance (what if you find someone more attractive?), my talents (what if you find someone smarter?), and so on."
It is important to note that working on emotional dependence involves many aspects, such as self-acceptance, taking responsibility for one's own life, finding inner resources, and much more.
Thank you for reading until the end!
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