Relationship Advice

Is It Love or Obsession

I’m sure that you have been in a situation like this before. You meet a person who appears to be perfect. They are charming and attractive and treat you like you’ve never been treated before. You become so engrossed in what they are giving that you become tied to them unrecognizable.  Yet, and still, there is just something about them that makes you uneasy. You can’t put your finger on it, but you feel something is not right. You tell yourself just to give it a chance and see where things go. But the more you get to know them, the more you realize that your gut feeling was right all along. 

They are not the perfect person you thought they were. The possessiveness, jealousy, and controlling behavior are appalling and frightening.  They expect you to spend all your time with them, and when you don’t, anger arises.  You start to feel like you’re walking on eggshells and unsure how to get out of the situation.

If you’re in a relationship like this, it’s important to realize that it is not healthy or normal. This is not how a relationship is supposed to be. If your partner is making you feel uncomfortable, scared, or trapped, then it’s most certainly time to get out of the relationship. If you’re not sure whether you’re in a healthy relationship or not,  here are some quick signs to look for:

  • Your partner is possessive and jealous.
  • He controls your actions and decisions.
  • He expects you to spend all your time with him.
  • He gets angry when you don’t do what he wants.
  • He tries to isolate you from your friends and family.

If you’re in a relationship like this, you must seek help. Talk to a trusted friend or family member, and tell them what’s happening. They can provide you with support and help you make a decision about what to do next.

Difference Between Love and Obsession

There’s a big difference between love and obsession when it comes to matters of the heart. Love is a feeling of strong attachment or admiration, caring, and passion, while obsession is an unhealthy fixation or addiction and often destructive. Love and obsession are often mistaken for one another. So how can you tell the difference? 

Attraction

In love, couples are attracted to one another’s minds and hearts. There is an emotional connection that goes much deeper than physical attraction.

In an obsessed relationship, however, one or both partners may be primarily attracted to the other’s physical appearance. This can lead to a relationship that is based on superficial factors rather than anything substantial.

Communication

In a healthy relationship, couples communicate openly and honestly with one another. They share their thoughts and feelings and carefully listen to each other. They also respect each other’s boundaries and are willing to compromise when necessary.

In an obsessed relationship, communication is often one-sided. One partner may try to control the conversation and may not be open to hearing their partner’s point of view. There is also often a lack of trust, making it difficult to communicate openly and honestly.

Boundaries

In a healthy relationship, couples clearly understand each other’s boundaries. They respect each other’s space and privacy and are comfortable giving each other some time apart when needed.

In an obsessed relationship, one or both partners may try to control the other person. They may invade their partner’s privacy and get angry or jealous if their partner spends time with other people.

Possessiveness

Couples may feel a strong sense of possessiveness towards each other in love. However, they understand that their partner is an individual with their own thoughts, feelings, and needs. They do not try to control or possess their partner.

In an obsessed relationship, one or both partners may be possessive and controlling. They may try to control their partner’s actions and decisions and get jealous when their partner spends time with other people. This can lead to a feeling of ownership and control, which is unhealthy for either partner.

Must Read: True Meaning of Love

How can you tell if you’re in love or obsessed?

Signs of love and obsession can be difficult to differentiate. However, one clear way to tell the difference is by asking yourself whether you are attracted to your partner’s mind and heart or just their physical appearance.

Can you communicate openly and honestly with each other, or does communication often feel one-sided?

Do you respect each other’s boundaries, or does one partner try to control the other?

If you can answer these questions honestly, it will help you to determine whether you are in a healthy relationship or an unhealthy obsession.

Signs of an Obsessive Relationship

  • You can’t stop thinking about them – even when you’re supposed to be doing something else, they’re all you can think about.
  • You’re always checking up on them – whether it’s calling or texting them constantly, following their social media activity, or even showing up unannounced at their home or work.
  • You’re always making excuses for their behavior – no matter how bad it may be, you’re always making excuses for why they did it.
  • You’ve lost interest in your own life – you don’t care about your hobbies or activities anymore; you only care about being with them and doing what they want to do.
  • You’re overly jealous – you get jealous of anyone and everyone who gets close to them, even if there’s no reason to be.
  • You’re constantly worried about them – you worry about them constantly, even when there’s no real reason to be concerned. 
  • You’ve given up your friends and family – you’ve stopped hanging out with your friends and family to spend more time with them.
  • You’re making plans for your future together – even though you haven’t been together that long, you’re already planning out your future together, and it’s taking control of your own personal plans. 
  • You’re willing to do anything for them – no matter what they ask, you’re always willing to do it, no questions asked.

If any of these sounds are familiar, then it’s possible that you’re more obsessed with the person than you are in love with them. 

Recognizing the signs of an unhealthy obsession can be difficult, but it’s important to be honest with yourself. If you’re worried that you might be obsessed with someone, ask yourself these questions:

  1. Do I respect their boundaries?
  2. Do I trust them?
  3. Do I give them space to be themselves?
  4. Do I support their dreams and goals?

If you answered “no” to any of these questions, then it’s possible that you’re in an unhealthy and obsessive relationship. If you’re concerned about your behavior, it is important to seek help from a trusted friend or family member or consider seeking out professional help. A therapist can provide you with support and guidance as you work to improve your relationship.

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How Can You Get Out of an Obsessive Relationship?

Once you realize that you’re in an obsessive relationship, it’s important to get out of it. This can be difficult, especially if you’ve been in a relationship for a long time.

There are a few things you can do to help you get out of an obsessive relationship:

Talk to Someone Who Can Help

If you’re struggling to break free from an obsessive relationship, talking to a therapist or counselor can be helpful. They can provide you with support and guidance as you work to escape the unhealthy situation.

Set Boundaries

It’s important to set boundaries with the person you’re in a relationship with. This means learning to say no and setting limits on what you’re willing and not willing to do.

Focus on Yourself

One of the best things you can do is to focus on taking care of yourself. This means making time for your hobbies, interests, and friends. It’s also important to nurture your own mental and emotional health.

Who you are and what you have to offer should always be reciprocated in a healthy manner. Being in love can be a great thing while being obsessed with someone can be a detriment to your mental health and overall well-being. Be on alert in new relationships of all of the above and take the necessary steps to be in a loving and positive relationship. 

Visit Couple Experience CE Circle to learn more about relationships and how to make them work for you.  We offer advice, tips, and resources to help you build a strong and healthy relationship. Follow us on Twitter or Facebook for more updates.

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