What Is Love Addiction And Why It’s Not Just Being “Too Into” Someone
Team MyMuse - Apr 23, 2025
Love addiction isn’t just a crush gone wild. Learn how emotional dependency shows up and how to start healing through self-connection.
Ever found yourself refreshing their Insta story like it’s breaking news? Or waiting for their reply like your life depends on it? We've all been there. But when your entire emotional world starts revolving around one person, it might be more than just a crush.
Love Addiction is a sneaky emotional pattern that feels like love but comes with a whole lot of chaos. And no, it’s not just being a hopeless romantic or having major heart-eyes. It’s when your desire to be loved turns into a need to be constantly validated—and suddenly, you’re losing yourself in someone else’s orbit.
What is Love Addiction, Really?
Love addiction is when the idea of love becomes something you cling to rather than connect with. It’s a form of emotional dependency, where attention, affection, and connection from someone else become your personal oxygen tank.
People experiencing this often confuse intensity with intimacy. You're not just in love—you’re consumed and exhibit slight validation-seeking behaviours. And while rom-coms might glorify it, the reality? Not so fun when your moods rise and fall with their last text.
It’s Not Just a Crush—It’s a Pattern
Crushing is cute. Love addiction? Not so much. The difference lies in how much of your identity you give away in the name of love.
You overthink every word they say (and don’t say).
You seek constant reassurance—they like me, right? RIGHT?
You feel anxious when they take “too long” to reply.
You base your self-worth on how wanted you feel.
It's less about loving them and more about needing them to love you, so you can love yourself.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
Here’s how love addiction often shows up:
1. Obsessive texting & checking
You can’t stop messaging, stalking, or overanalysing every post. The feed becomes a mood board for your relationship.
2. Neglecting yourself
You skip meals, cancel plans, or stop doing the things you love—because your focus is 100% on keeping them happy.
3. Emotional rollercoasters
One good morning text = dopamine high. One delayed reply = emotional crash. Your joy becomes dependent on their presence.
4. Ignoring red flags
You know they’re inconsistent or not fully in—but your need for connection overrides logic. You stay anyway when you know you should move on.
The Way Out: Reconnecting With You
The antidote to love addiction? Reconnection—with yourself.
1. Embrace solo time
Give yourself space to rediscover what you enjoy. Pleasure doesn’t have to come from someone else—try a solo session, get playful with a helping hand or full-body massager like Pulse or a stroker like Beat, and feel empowered by your own touch.
2. Set emotional boundaries
Notice when you’re giving too much, too fast. Pause. Breathe. Ask yourself: Am I chasing them or choosing me?
3. Seek support
Therapy or journaling can help uncover patterns and build healthier ways of connecting. Healing doesn’t mean closing off—it means opening up with care.
Love isn’t supposed to hurt, or hijack your whole sense of self. So if you’re feeling more drained than desired, more anxious than adored, it’s okay to take a step back. Love should feel like a dance, not a dependency.
And if you’re craving connection? Start with the one that matters most: the one with yourself. 💕Manifest it with your full heart.
