Are You a Love Addict?

To many people, the idea of a love addiction seems far-fetched or made up to explain irrational behaviors.

However, love addiction is not a new concept, nor is it fabricated. Early literature and history are full of references to people — often very powerful and famous people — who allowed their dependence on others to destroy them.

People become so dependent on others because of emotional needs that are not met through positive relationships; they are met through negative and destructive relationships. But love addiction is more than just an emotional need unmet — there is also a potential for serious injury because of this behavior.

When a person continues in a relationship that is abusive, either physically or mentally, there is a very real danger. Women and men are abused in relationships, and unfortunately, death by an intimate partner is a very real concern in today’s society. Here are questions you can ask yourself to see if you are addicted to love:

    Have I been hurt, physically or emotionally, by my partner?
    Do I make excuses or rationalize the abuse?
    Do I tend to choose partners that are emotionally distant or do I have a history of being in abusive relationships?
    Is there a give and take in this relationship or do I give and give but seem to get nothing or very little in response?
    Can I leave this relationship and move on in my life?
Answering these questions honestly is the first step in determining if you may have an addiction to love that is potentially dangerous.

Most people need help with this very serious issue and greatly benefit from talking with a therapist or counselor that specializes in addictions and addiction recovery.