If you are in a committed, long-term relationship, doing everything together kind of becomes second nature at some point. Feeling inseparable with your partner can be a good thing and can be an evidence that you have real, meaningful connection with them. But if this feeling starts to become more literal than figurative, this may be an indication that you have become way too dependent on your partner. While it is necessary to spend quality time with your significant other, it is critical to maintain healthy relationships with friends, family and, most importantly, yourself. Having an identity outside of your significant other is not only healthy for you, but essential to the success and longevity of any romantic relationship. If any of this is sounding a tad bit too familiar, these 7 signs could be red flags that you are too attached to your partner.
You cannot find happiness outside of your partner
Our partners should definitely be a source of happiness. But when they become your only happiness in life, this is severely dangerous. This means that if you take them out of the equation, you will be left with no internal joy or ability create your own happiness as an individual.
You get angry or agitated with your partner for no reason
When you go past healthy quality time and tip toe towards spending too much time with your partner, you may find yourself constantly irritated with them just for existing. This is because you are always on top of each other, crowing each other’s space and thoughts, even consciousness. It’s true that absence makes the heart grow fonder, and lack of time apart can make the heart grow indifferent or agitated.
Your partner has to be present at all times
If you are too dependent on your partner, you may feel like you cannot execute a thing in life without them literally right by your side. While this may sound romantic in theory, in reality, two people in a relationship must be comfortable enough away from each other to lead productive, fulfilling lifestyles—such as going to work, taking trips, or even enjoying a hobby.
You slowly disconnect from your family and friends
Do you notice that you never seem to have time for your family, or the friends you used to be close with before your relationship began? This could be because the codependency of your relationship is monopolizing all your time. Like previously stated, it is important to have healthy connections outside of your significant other, and over attachment does not allow for this.
You feel jealous of their accomplishments and success
If you have gotten so wrapped up in your significant other’s achievements or interests, you may find yourself experiencing a twinge of jealousy when they achieved success or recognition for their passions or within their careers. This can be a result of you no longer having any interests or personal feelings of success outside of theirs, or have given your passions a backseat to theirs.
You need their approval and acknowledgement for everything
Your partner is not going to agree or even approve of everything you do or think. This is a part of the beauty of loving someone who is unique to you. But if you lack the confidence or security in your own mind and ideas, you can find yourself lacking the resolve to follow through with any decisions or interests that your partner does not approve of or want to be involved in.
You have no interests outside of your partner’s interests
It is typical that a couple will enjoy the same interests or hobbies; but again, if you are to have a healthy self-image and personal relationship with yourself, you must develop or maintain interests outside of your partner. This could be an amateur athletic team, a book club, cooking class, or even a group of friends that like to travel together. But if you do not have any interests outside of your partner, this could be an indication that you are way too dependent on your partner for any kind of fulfillment in life.
