Love Addiction

[Guest audrey michelle]

soo, i was watching this one show and this patient claimed to be addicted to love. i followed her behavior and stuff and then did a little research on this and kind of figured that im addicted to love too. here are the symptoms [the ones in bold are the symptoms that i relate to]:

* Inability to trust in relationships

* Inner rage over lack of nurturing in childhood

* Depression

* High-risk behavior

* Other addictive or compulsive behaviors

* Constantly questions personal values and purpose of life

* Has a driving, desperate, frantic personality

* Denies problem

* Confuses wants as needs

* Serial Monogamy

* Confusion of sexual attraction with love "love at first sight"

* Intense need to control or please others

* Sense of worthlessness when not in a relationship [kind of]

* Avoids rejection or abandonment at any cost

* Feels that relationship makes them "whole" or "complete"

* High drama confusing intensity for intimacy

* Uses relationship to feel high or avoid emotional pain

* Outer facade of "having it all together"

* Trades sex for "love"

* Perceives romantic relationship as basic human need like food and water

i havent been in relationship for about three to four months and ive been "seeing" guys here and there but i think its more of a sexual thing for them while i want a mature, meaningful relationship. anyways, i know that i dont need a relationship...but having one makes me feel happy and like complete. just the other day i told my friend i felt a part of me was missing and its love. i never knew love could be an addiction but i guess it is. i was wondering if this was common in transsexuals and if anyone else can relate to this?

[Guest Emily Ray]

I can see that many of these symptoms are commonly found in sufferers of GID. I don't necessarily agree that there is an addiction to love. I do believe that many people develop all kinds of maladaptive behaviors. But, as an addict to drugs I myself don't see it as the same thing.

Huggs

Emily

[JenniferB]

Audrey, your list of concerns is not unreasonable, especially in the long term. I believe you need to search and probe. Use your values and find someone who feels the same way. Don't sell yourself short. If the potential mate doesn't fit you criteria you should move on. Keep youself in the game though. If you don't time will pass you by. Keep searching with all you can and you will find someone, just don't give up. That is what life is about.

Jenny