When it comes to dating, the last thing you want to do is push the other person away, because you got attached too early. People have lives outside of dating, and you should, too. Being clingy will ultimately leave you with unread messages, unanswered calls and blocked social media accounts. We can't control our feelings, but we can control the circumstances leading up to them.
We've highlighted 5 main ways you can avoid being clingy:
1. Focus on you
People tend to lose themselves when they are dating or in a relationship -- to the point where you are constantly checking your phone waiting for a text or call. This is a big red flag and should be avoided at all costs. Once you enter this phase, it's hard to get out. Your attachment to the other person only gets stronger. That's why you need to engage in other things to keep you busy. Focus on a passion of yours, continue working on that project from work or get into a new hobby. With all these things consuming your time, it will leave you with just enough time to talk or text the person you're dating without coming off as clingy.
2. Date other people
An important concept is to not put all your eggs in one basket. Because a date went well and you feel like you've found "the one," it doesn't mean things can't change in a heartbeat. An ex may come back into their life, or they could decide they aren't ready for something serious. As long as you keep your options open, you won't be overly concerned with what the other person is doing or what they think of you.
3. Have a 50/50 contribution
If you are always the one initiating the text or call, becoming attached is almost inevitable. Learn how to pull back when the other person isn't initiating contact. They could be busy focusing on other things, or maybe they aren't as interested in you as you thought. You don't want to ignore the other person, but you should exercise some restraint if you aren't receiving similar communication back. Either way, it saves you from becoming too clingy.
4. Control your insecurities
It's very common people to carry broken hearts and uncertainty into their new relationships. When interacting with someone new, you want to be sure this a person you can trust in the long run. The downside to this is that you will come off as clingy. Contantly checking up and seeing what they are doing will actually push them further away. Your insecurities will force you to seek validation from the person you are dating, and most people do not want to be pressured into anything -- especially when there hasn't been any discussion of exclusivity. Identify your insecurities and control them. Because if the other person happens to cut ties, it will only increase your self-doubt.
5. Live a social life of abundance
A scarcity mindset will always keep you stuck in one place. Whereas having an abundance mindset will allow you to live your life -- without worrying if the other person is pulling back or deciding to move on. This mindset helps you understand that there are many potential dating partners out there. And if it doesn't seem to work out, move on and set up new dates. When you fall into a scarcity mindset, you'll be afraid to let anyone go and be undoubtedly clingy.
Being clingly will never work to your advantage. We understand that no one wants obsess over the person we are dating, but sometimes our feelings and emotions have a mind of their own. You may say one thing but feel another way. What are some methods you use to avoid being clingy? Tell us in the comments below!