Emotional dependency happens when an individual believes they need another person to be happy and feel complete.
There’s a bigdifference between being in love and emotional dependency.
You constantly crave their attention, support, and approval because you’re not providing yourself with these things.
Learn to take care of yourself.
If you want to stop being emotionally dependent, Mahalli says that you better startshowing up for yourself.
What is it that you feel you need from your partner or the person you’re emotionally dependent on?
How could you begin to satisfy those emotional needs yourself, without relying on another person?
Embrace solitude.
All of usneed alone time, as psychologistDanielle Dowling, Psy.D., tells mbg.
Remember that spending time in solitude is not self-indulgent."
“Take up hobbies that you enjoy on your own,” she tells mbg.
Do theseactivities by yourself.
Teach yourself that you’re free to find joy, peace, and comfort on your own.
As you relearn how to be by yourself, emotional independence will follow suit.
Make a list of your strengths.
What are you good at?
No matter how small the strength may be, identify it.
“Focus on that one strength every day and remind yourself of it.
You will be less reliant on other people telling you what’s fabulous about yourself.”
Look at the people in your life.
Begin observing the people in your life to shed emotional dependency.
“What are the things you admire about them?
Now, turn the mirror toward you and see how you have very similar traits,” suggests Ortega.
These people would not be in your life if you didn’t have admirable strengths, he reminds.
Remember: Like attracts like.
When the negative chatter comes up, don’t worry about eliminating it.
“When the inner saboteur strikes, bring in the compassionate witness.
Let them walk hand-in-hand without giving more strength to one over the other.”
The negative chatter eventually dies down, and you could walk around feeling more confident each day.
Recognize patterns so you’re able to break them.
These experiences train us tobehave in a codependent way, seeking another person to validate your sense of worth.
Where did you first learn to behave the way you do in your relationships?
How could you take small steps to break free from your patterns?
Know your worth.
The takeaway
Here are somesteps for developing self-confidence.
