It is possible: you can literally be addicted to your relationship

Ah, what is there more than rainbows, puppies, and cupcakes than being head over heels in love? Exactly: nothing.

 
Being in love is fantastic – especially when the feeling is mutual – that much is clear. But that rose-colored glasses also have downsides, it turns out. Because if you see too much pink, it can be bad for you. Love something negative? I had to swallow hard when I read this, but it's true. According to psychologists, you can literally become addicted to your relationship. And that's not good, no matter how funny it sounds.

 
Dr. Femke Buisman-Pijlman, a researcher on addictions and a lecturer at the University of Adelaide in Australia, knows all about it. That infatuation can be just as addictive as drugs or alcohol (or your phone), she indicates. In that comparison lies the danger: your relationship is not good for you if you become dependent on it. If you constantly need the other person to feel happy and only find peace when you are together, alarm bells should start ringing.

 
According to Femke, the addiction to your relationship comes from feeling very happy when you are in love, but to maintain that happy feeling, you need more and more. And well, soon a true addiction lurks. Where you once were satisfied with one hot night out a week, over time you need more and more mornings, afternoons, and evenings of cuddling and kissing. Even if that is irrational and you know it makes no sense.

 
You can really lose yourself in the rosy, addictive feeling. And that doesn't have the best consequences for your career, feelings, and self-esteem. So be careful not to go overboard with those glasses on. What is good, is finding your partner a bit annoying from time to time..

 
There are a few things you can do to keep love fun:
– Don't constantly do everything together; also maintain your own hobbies and passions.
– Make sure to see your girlfriends without boyfriends around. Don't think that your only fun evenings out are just with him.
– Don't let your partner (just) drop by at work (because you miss him), don't be afraid to be alone for a while (and don't feel depressed right away), and don't start fights to get his attention again. Those are true no-goes.

 
Not (yet) dating and enjoying being single? That might be because you are too attractive.

Source: Cosmopolitan

Written by: Tessa Heinhuis