Love Addiction? What Is That?
“L is for the way you look at me
O is for the only one I see
V is very, very extraordinary
E is even more than anyone that you adore can
Love is all that I can give to you
Love is more than just a game for two
Two in love can make it
Take my heart and please don’t break it
Love was made for me and you.”
Chocolates. Flowers. Handwritten cards. Forever and always. Happily ever after. Better together. Two is better than one.
Plain and simple, you love… love. You are obsessed. You may even have a love addiction.
Let’s take a closer look at love addiction and what it is.
What is a Love Addiction?
Love addiction is defined as a condition that causes a person to develop an unhealthy obsession or fixation with a love interest or love in general.
Those who struggle with love addiction can have unhealthy relationships with their partners. Like other forms of addiction, this can cause a person to behave in ways that are out of their control.
What are the Signs of a Love Addiction?
Just like the different relationships out there, love addiction can present itself in different ways depending on the person affected.
These are some of the other signs of love addiction:
Dependency on your partner.
Feeling lost or hopeless when you don’t have someone.
Prioritizing your relationship over everyone else and everything else in your life.
Neglecting other relationships, even with family, friends, and loved ones.
Choosing relationships that may not be good for you just to be in a relationship.
Poor decision-making.
Difficulty leaving a toxic or unhealthy relationship.
Obsessive thoughts about your partner.
Thoughts, feelings, and emotions are creeping into your day-to-day life.
What Causes a Love Addiction?
Have you ever heard the expression, “Love is the drug?” Studies have shown that there is a strong connection between the feelings of pleasure when someone is in love and when someone has a substance addiction.
Dependency, obsessions, compulsions, mood swings, and more are all present in both types of addictions.
Some of the most common causes of love addiction are the following:
Childhood trauma
Traumatic relationship
Emotion abuse
Sexual abuse
Love self-esteem
Abandonment issues
How to Cope with a Love Addiction?
Since one of the most common signs of love addiction is a fixation on love and relationships, try channeling that energy into some of the other interests you may have.
Exercise and get your body moving
Listen to music
Get a massage
Watch a movie
Attend an arts and crafts class
Incorporate Breathing Exercises
Practice yoga or meditation
Spend time with family and friends.
Try journaling
Whatever it may be, find whatever makes you happy and go and do it! Engaging and completing the activities that bring your joy will give you those same happy hormones that love does.
It may be time to seek additional help and support if your day-to-day or personal well-being is being affected by your constant pursuit of love or a relationship.
A therapist can help give you the tools you need to help you cope and overcome those constant thoughts, feelings, and emotions. They can assist you with learning how to be alone, how to look out for reoccurring patterns, and ways to love and invest in yourself first.
Interested in learning more about love addiction? If you think you may have a love addiction, you’re not alone.
Reach out to us today to set up an appointment. We can help you get on a path to form healthier relationships with yourself and others in your life.