ADVICE
Is Being Clingy Bad in Relationships?
Do you find yourself in a relationship where your partner’s affection knows no bounds, and you’re now seemingly attached at the hip, no matter where you go?
Or, are you the one who tends to be a bit too clingy in your relationship?
If either scenario sounds familiar, you might want to read on. While being clingy can mean and feel like a lot of love, being excessively so can totally flip the table around.
So, allow me to delve into the intricacies of clinginess in relationships and examine whether it’s inherently problematic or not.
Can being clingy really be seen as a negative trait? Was it always a bad thing?
Yes, it is, if it’s too much.
Too much in the sense that it suffocates and frustrates your partner. It’s when you’re so wrapped up in them and your relationship that you always keep them in check. Wherever they are, so are you. That’s when clinginess becomes bad for your partner and your relationship at hand.
This may be normal during the honeymoon phase of your relationship, but holding on to it over time to the point of manipulation and control is not good at all.
Whether you’re aware of it or not, crossing the fine line between affectionate attachment and suffocating neediness can be a toxic habit in relationships. It can have a range of effects like possessiveness and dependency. This can lead to strain over time if not managed effectively.
And we’re all aware that anything in excess tends to be less than ideal right? Clinginess is no exception to that.
But…
No, it’s not bad, if you keep a healthy balance.
While excessive clinginess can often have harmful effects on relationships, we need to recognize that not all forms of attachment are bad or negative.
In fact, there are instances where being slightly clingy can strengthen a relationship as it can increase emotional connections between partners, provide much-needed support, and can also be a way to show your commitment and dedication to the relationship you have.
It’s not that bad if you’re able to manage to strike and keep the balance between the affection you need and the borderline extent of your clinginess.
And you may be asking, “How can I strike that balance?”
It’s a matter of understanding that both partners have separate lives to lead, even when in a relationship. This may sound simplistic, but it’s true.
Even when in a relationship, even when you’re feeling like your partner is the end-all-be-all of your existence, you need to focus on your individual endeavors and relationships. You need to keep doing the things that you want, focusing on your career responsibilities, and many other activities and interests that pertain to you as an individual.
Being clingy in relationships isn’t that complex.
It can be harmful if it’s excessive and can lead to a wide range of emotional trouble between the couple.
However, in moderation, being clingy can nurture love and commitment.
And so again, is being clingy bad in relationships?
You got the answer.
You just have to find the right balance for you and your partner.
