Having a clingy partner can be emotionally draining and make you feel smothered in the relationship.
Sure, it’s good to have a significant other who adores you and showers you with affection, but when it becomes too much, it can make you feel like running away.
In this blog post, we share a few warning signs you may have a clingy partner and some tips for establishing healthy boundaries.
Watch out for these red flags early on to avoid problems down the road and ensure you both maintain your independence and sense of self in the relationship.
7 WARNING SIGNS YOU HAVE A CLINGY PARTNER
Being with a clingy partner is a frustrating experience.
While you’re happy that you have someone who loves you deeply, their constant need for attention can almost drive you crazy.
The good news is, if you notice the signs on time, you can prevent your partner’s clinginess from ruining your relationship. Here’s how to tell if you have a clingy partner:
1. They constantly text and call you
Clingy partners often feel the need to be in constant contact with their significant other throughout the day.
They may text, call, or message you excessively, and become upset if you don’t respond immediately.
Clingy partners also have a hard time maintaining space and independence. They may demand to know where you are, who you’re with, and what you’re doing at all times.
They want to know your every move and constantly check in to reassure themselves you’re not losing interest in them.
If your partner texts or calls you multiple times a day and you feel smothered by the attention, that’s a sign they have some clingy tendencies.
While regular affection and interdependence are normal in a healthy relationship, couples need to give each other breathing space from time to time.
If you notice that your partner is acting clingy, try to reassure them of your love and commitment but also let them know that you need some alone time once in a while.
Some partners just want to know that you truly love them and are not going to leave them for someone else.
Once you can convince them of your undying love, they’ll feel at ease and may not need to check up on you so frequently.
2. They get upset when you make other plans
One of the biggest signs of a clingy partner is that they constantly seek your attention and may become upset or anxious when you’re not readily available to them.
If your partner gets upset any time you make plans without them, that’s a warning sign.
Clingy partners have a hard time coping when you do your own thing or spend time with other people.
For example, they may get jealous when you spend time with friends and family.
This is because they feel threatened by your other relationships and worry that you’ll find someone else more interesting or fun.
Their jealousy usually stems from their insecurities, not because you’ve done anything wrong.
A little jealousy and wanting to spend time together is normal in a romantic relationship.
However, if your partner’s behavior feels extreme or unhealthy, you may need to set some boundaries or reevaluate the relationship.
3. They need constant reassurance
Clingy partners rely on you to regulate their emotions and moods. If you’re not around, they feel sad, upset, or lonely.
They may even have trouble finding fulfillment in their own interests, hobbies, and relationships.
Is your partner’s happiness directly tied to the time you spend together? Do you feel smothered and wish they would give you some space?
Does it seem like you need to constantly reassure them of your feelings every second of the day? Chances are that you have a clingy partner.
Clingy partners have separation anxiety and feel the need to be in constant contact with their loved ones.
They may call or text nonstop and get upset if you don’t respond right away.
While communication is key to a healthy relationship, both partners need to have their own lives too.
If any of these signs sound familiar, have an honest conversation with your partner about setting healthy boundaries and making sure both of your needs are met.
Remind them that compromise and independence are important for sustainable relationships.
With a little effort, you can overcome clinginess, build trust, and find the right balance in your relationship.
4. They don’t respect your boundaries
Whether it’s constantly showing up unannounced, snooping through your personal belongings, or ignoring your requests for space—a clingy partner may have difficulty respecting boundaries.
They may invade your personal space, constantly monitor your activities, or insist on being involved in every aspect of your life.
If your partner constantly pressures you into doing things you’re uncomfortable with or doesn’t respect your need for privacy, that’s clingy behavior you shouldn’t tolerate.
You deserve a partner who respects your limits and doesn’t make you feel guilty for having your own interests or friendships outside the relationship.
Someone who’s overly clingy may insist on being with you 24/7, demand constant communication, or make you feel bad for making plans without them. That’s not okay!
Stand up for yourself and be very clear about what you will and won’t accept.
Let them know their behavior makes you feel smothered, and you need more independence and autonomy.
If they continue to disrespect your reasonable boundaries after you’ve addressed the issue, it may be time to reevaluate the relationship.
You deserve a healthy partnership where you both feel free to be your own person while still coming together to share life’s adventures. Don’t settle for anything less!
The right partner will give you space to breathe and the freedom to maintain your interests and relationships.
So speak up, set clear boundaries, and make sure your needs are being met.
5. They’re very possessive of you
Does your partner insist on knowing where you are and who you’re with 24/7?
Do they get upset if you want to spend time with friends or family without them? These are signs you have a clingy partner!
A clingy partner is very possessive and has a hard time giving you space. They want to be attached at the hip, and the thought of you doing your own thing makes them anxious.
They’re prone to jealousy and may even snoop through your personal belongings to keep tabs on you.
While a little jealousy and wanting to spend lots of quality time together is normal in a relationship, a clingy partner takes it to the extreme.
They view any independence on your part as a threat and have a hard time trusting you.
This behavior usually stems from their insecurity and need for constant reassurance.
It’s sweet they care so much about you, but their clingy attitude will eventually become smothering and push you away if left unaddressed.
The best approach is through loving communication and setting clear boundaries. Let your partner know their possessive behavior makes you feel untrusted and trapped.
You can help them feel more secure by designating time for togetherness and reassuring them of your commitment to the relationship.
With time and a few adjustments, a clingy partner can become more secure in the relationship.
But if they refuse to change their ways, you need to ask yourself whether the relationship is right for you in the long run.
6. They rely on you for emotional support
Clingy partners often rely heavily on their significant other for emotional support and struggle to manage their emotions independently.
They may become excessively needy or rely on you to meet all their emotional needs.
If your partner relies on you for constant emotional support and validation, it could be a sign that they’re clingy. Watch out if:
• They can’t handle being alone
A clingy partner hates spending time by themselves and always wants you by their side.
They call or text you constantly when you’re apart and seem to rely on your presence to feel okay.
While quality time together is important in a healthy relationship, clingy partners take it to another level.
They may also have trouble self-soothing or finding fulfillment from their hobbies and interests.
• They’re suspicious of your other relationships
Clingy partners often feel threatened by your close bonds with friends and family and may even resent the time you spend with them.
They want to be the center of your world and your top priority, which is okay. But healthy relationships allow for outside connections and interests too.
Clingy behavior like constant check-ins, distrust, and accusations of cheating are major red flags.
• They need you to always validate them
If your partner is frequently asking if you still love them, care about them, or find them attractive, that points to some deep-seated insecurity.
While it’s normal to want to feel loved in a relationship, clingy people take it to the extreme and constantly need validation and reassurance.
They may even make self-deprecating comments to fish for compliments.
• They rely on excessive flattery and affection
While compliments and physical intimacy are nice, clingy partners overdo it to an uncomfortable degree.
They lavish you with praise, gifts, and physical affection as a way to keep you close.
But real love means accepting your partner as they are, not the way you want them to be.
Clingy people tend to put you on a pedestal which sets the relationship up for failure.
Having a balanced, independent partner who supports you but also has their own fulfilling life is ideal for a healthy relationship.
If you realize that your partner is clingy, communicate your needs, set clear boundaries, and make sure to also take space for yourself.
Compromise and understanding can go a long way. But if their clingy behavior becomes emotionally draining, don’t hesitate to walk away from the relationship.
7. They struggle with being independent
Do you feel like your partner always wants to tag along with you and your friends or be involved in every activity you do?
Clingy people often struggle with being independent and have difficulty pursuing their own interests or maintaining friendships outside of the relationship.
They may rely on you as their sole source of entertainment and social interaction.
If your partner struggles with independence and seems to rely on you for their happiness and self-worth, that’s not a good sign!
Do they call or text incessantly when you’re out without them? Clingy people struggle with separation and have a hard time giving you space to do your own thing.
The constant communication is their way of maintaining control and connection, even when you’re apart.
But it can be suffocating to have to meet your partner’s demands 24/7 and still have a life of your own.
While you can offer your support and encouragement, you can’t be responsible for someone else’s happiness and self-esteem.
Encourage your partner to develop a strong sense of self and maintain their independence in the relationship.
If the clinginess doesn’t improve, it may ultimately be better for both of you to go your separate ways.
Conclusion
Do you suspect that you may be dealing with a clingy partner? Have you noticed a few of the signs mentioned in this article?
Don’t fret! It’s not rare for people to get too attached to a romantic partner.
But with honest communication and setting clear boundaries, you can find the right balance of togetherness and independence.
It’s important to note that everyone may display some of these behaviors occasionally.
But, if these behaviors are persistent and significantly impact the balance and well-being of your relationship, it may be necessary to talk about what’s bothering you with your partner.
Setting healthy boundaries, while encouraging personal growth and independence, can help address clinginess within a relationship.
However, if things continue to feel off despite your best efforts, don’t be afraid to make the difficult decision to end things and find a healthier relationship where you’re given the space to thrive.
Recommended reading:
10 Signs Of Lack Of Trust In A Relationship
How To Build Trust In A Relationship
About The Author
Jennifer Dagi
Jennifer Dagi is happily married to her best friend and the love of her life.
As a relationship coach, she is passionate about helping couples build healthy and happy relationships.
She strongly believes communication and intimacy are the most important ingredients for building a successful relationship.
Join her on a fabulous journey to improve your love life one step at a time and don't forget to subscribe for weekly blog updates.