If you’ve known someone who always needs a partner by their side, you’ve probably noticed how their behavior can be a little different.
They may seem lost without a love interest, or they might jump from relationship to relationship without much time in between.
This mindset of feeling incomplete without a partner isn’t just a quirky personality trait. It’s actually rooted in psychology and can be quite complex to understand.
Everyone experiences this feeling differently, making the journey of understanding and navigating such behaviors a unique challenge.
Yet, with a little insight into these behaviors, we can better understand these individuals and what drives them.
And who knows? You might even recognize some of these traits in yourself.
Let’s dive into the world of those who feel incomplete without a partner by their side and explore the eight behaviors they commonly exhibit, according to psychology.
1) Over-reliance on their partner
People who feel incomplete without a partner by their side often have an overwhelming reliance on their significant other.
This isn’t just about depending on them for physical needs, but emotional ones as well.
For example, they might need constant reassurance about their relationship status, or they may look to their partner to make them feel good about themselves.
They might say things like, “I don’t know what I would do without you,” or “You’re my everything.”
This over-reliance can sometimes put a strain on the relationship. The partner might feel overwhelmed or pressured to always be there, to always say the right thing.
It can also lead to an imbalance in the relationship, with one person constantly giving and the other constantly taking.
Although emotional support is vital in any relationship, a healthy balance is crucial.
When one person relies too heavily on the other for emotional well-being, it can create an unhealthy dynamic.
Understanding this behavior can help in recognising the signs and working towards a more balanced partnership.
2) Fear of being alone
While many people enjoy their own company and relish in periods of solitude, those who feel incomplete without a partner often experience a deep-seated fear of being alone.
This isn’t about simply enjoying companionship, it goes beyond that.
They might fill every spare moment with social activities or constantly seek out new relationships to avoid being by themselves.
Even when they’re physically alone, they may distract themselves with technology or other means to avoid the discomfort of solitude.
Yet, what might be surprising is that this fear isn’t always about loneliness. Often, it’s more about being left alone with their thoughts and feelings.
They may be uncomfortable with self-reflection or dealing with emotions independently.
This fear can often lead to serial dating or jumping from relationship to relationship without giving themselves time to heal or understand why the previous relationship didn’t work out.
Recognizing this pattern is the first step towards addressing the underlying fear and developing healthier relationship habits.
3) Low self-esteem
Self-esteem plays a significant role in how we view ourselves and our place in the world.
For those who feel incomplete without a partner, low self-esteem often lurks beneath the surface.
They might constantly compare themselves to others and feel inferior.
Or they might base their worth on whether they’re in a relationship or not. “If I’m single, there must be something wrong with me,” they might think.
People with low self-esteem tend to have more negative expectations of their partners and are more likely to perceive their partner as unsupportive or unloving.
This can create a vicious cycle of feeling unloved and undervalued, leading them to seek validation externally rather than internally.
Breaking this cycle involves recognizing these patterns and working on building inner confidence and self-worth.
It can be a challenging process but an essential one for those who want to feel complete within themselves.
4) Difficulty setting boundaries
It’s perfectly natural to want to share your life with someone, to want to give them your all. But for those who feel incomplete without a partner, this desire may lead to a lack of boundaries.
They might find it hard to say no, often putting their partner’s needs before their own.
They might constantly go out of their way to make their partner happy, even if it comes at a cost to their own wellbeing.
It’s important to remember that everyone has the right to their own space and self-expression.
Setting boundaries isn’t about pushing people away, it’s about respect – respect for oneself and the other person in the relationship.
Learning how to set boundaries can be a journey, but it’s an important step in maintaining a healthy relationship and preserving one’s self-worth.
You’re every bit as important as the person you’re in a relationship with.
5) Overthinking
We all have moments where we overthink things, playing different scenarios in our heads or worrying about the ‘what ifs’.
But for people who feel incomplete without a partner, overthinking can become a frequent visitor.
Every text message, every glance, every silence can get over-analyzed.
They may constantly worry about their partner’s feelings towards them, or whether they’re doing enough to make their partner happy.
The rumination can become exhausting, not just for the person doing the overthinking, but also for the partner on the receiving end.
It can lead to unnecessary stress and tension in the relationship.
Managing these thoughts and learning to trust, both in oneself and in the relationship, is key to overcoming this habit.
It can be helpful to remember that not every action has a hidden meaning and sometimes, a simple conversation can clear up a lot of misunderstandings.
6) Seeking validation
Validation from others can feel good. It’s affirming and comforting. But for those who believe they’re incomplete without a partner, seeking validation might take on a different tone.
For instance, they might constantly seek their partner’s approval for everything they do, from what they wear to the decisions they make.
I once knew someone who wouldn’t even pick a movie to watch without first getting her partner’s approval. She felt she needed his validation to make sure she was making the ‘right’ choice.
This constant need for validation can be exhausting for both parties and can lead to an unhealthy power dynamic in the relationship.
It’s important to remember that everyone has their individual likes, dislikes, and opinions.
Seeking advice or input is one thing, but needing constant validation can hinder personal growth.
Learning to trust one’s own judgment and decision-making abilities is an important part of feeling complete.
7) Ignoring red flags
Being in love can sometimes feel like wearing rose-colored glasses. But for those who feel incomplete without a partner, those glasses might be a bit too rosy.
They may ignore or downplay red flags in their relationships, brushing off concerning behaviors as minor issues or convincing themselves that things will change with time.
This could range from dismissive attitudes to controlling behaviors and beyond.
But here’s the thing: red flags are not minor issues to be swept under the rug. They’re indicators of deeper problems that need to be addressed.
Ignoring them won’t make them go away. If anything, it can make the situation worse.
Recognizing and addressing red flags is essential for any healthy relationship. It may be difficult, it may be uncomfortable, but it’s necessary.
Don’t compromise your self-worth for the sake of feeling complete.
8) Loss of personal identity
Finding someone who complements you is a beautiful thing. But for those who feel incomplete without a partner, this can sometimes lead to a loss of personal identity.
They may start to define themselves solely through the lens of their relationship, losing sight of who they are as an individual.
Their interests, goals, and passions may take a backseat as their partner’s preferences take the lead.
But bear in mind: You are an individual, first and foremost. Your identity does not hinge on someone else.
You have your own passions, interests, and goals that make you who you are.
Maintaining your personal identity while being in a relationship is not just healthy, it’s crucial. You are complete in yourself, with or without a partner. Don’t lose sight of that.
Final thoughts
Understanding oneself is a journey, and this article is here to provide a compass for those who may feel lost without a partner beside them.
But remember, the path to self-discovery and fulfillment is yours to navigate.
There is no shame in seeking companionship, but it’s vital to remember your individuality and self-worth are not defined by the presence of a partner.
Time spent discovering yourself, embracing your own identity, and learning to be comfortable in your solitude is never wasted.
To truly understand this means to be wise enough not to let the pressure of societal norms dictate your personal worth or happiness.
Here’s to living a more self-aware, balanced, and ultimately, a more fulfilling life!
