Various myths about love for years have made us believe that if we don't have a better half in life, we will feel incomplete! But instead of this theory, we must first learn how to love ourselves and only then will we be able to attract the man or woman who completes us for the rest of our lives.
"We often confuse love with other feelings, such as liking, passion or emotional dependence," explains Ana Maria Sepe, psychologist. How can we distinguish healthy love from emotional addiction? The latter has its roots in childhood, it starts with the central figures in the life of the little ones, which are the mother and the father. The child develops a kind of attachment, which then serves as a model for building all relationships that come into life.
To love in a healthy way means starting from a knowledge of oneself, which leads to choosing the other as an added value and not as a person who fills your emptiness. Loving yourself means accepting who you are, with your strengths and limitations, and not accepting anything that is not reciprocated. The moment we are aware of who we are and what we want, we can be able to give love, without needing to receive something in return.
Here are three signs that indicate whether or not you have emotional dependence on your partner:
#1 If you are addicted, constantly check on the other person
Those who are dependent also have a manipulative attitude and are ready to do everything they can to control the other without leaving room for maneuver. Whereas, love means giving emotions without expecting anything in return.
#2 If you are addicted, you feel like a prisoner of the relationship
Someone who loves in a healthy way expresses freely in any situation and partners encourage each other about goals, dreams and projects. In situations of emotional dependence, one of the partners requires the other to go to the extent of self-denial, giving up his or her freedom in the name of supposed love.
#3 If you are addicted, you suffer
In emotional addiction, the only thing that matters is filling the spiritual void at all costs, and loneliness turns into a demon to fight anyone who comes to life. Whereas, healthy love matures over time: despite disagreements and arguments, the couple cooperates for the common good of both partners.
Source: Vanity Fair
