People with unhealthily obsessive tendencies can struggle with developing codependent relationships. While anyone can develop codependent relationships at some point in their life, those who struggle with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) may find it easier to develop codependent relationships because of their natural tendencies towards hoarding behavior, anxiety about germs or contracting diseases, or other similar symptoms that make it easier for them to develop unhealthy connections with others. If you think you might be developing unhealthy relationships with others due to your OCD or another type of mental illness, here are five warning signs that you might have Relationship OCD.
When dating becomes unhealthy
In the world of dating, things are constantly changing. There are new apps, new trends, and new techniques that people use to find love. But some of these techniques and trends can be unhealthy or even damaging.
These changes in dating practices have also led to a rise in certain types of relationship problems that didn’t use to be as common. With the rise in social media and online dating sites, there is a much higher rate of codependency than ever before.
Five signs you might have Relationship OCD
Let’s talk about five warning signs:
1. Your relationships are constantly changing
If you find that you are constantly changing the type of partner you are interested in, or you are always flitting from one person to the next, this can signify that you may have a problem. If you find that you get bored easily with your partner or are constantly looking for a new partner, you may have Relationship OCD.
People with Relationship OCD often have trouble staying with the same person for a long time because they constantly try to find the perfect partner. They often feel like they are not making enough progress in their relationship, so they move on to the next one to avoid feeling stuck.
2. Trouble letting go after a breakup
If you have a hard time letting go after a breakup, this can be a sign of Relationship OCD. Those with OCD often have trouble moving on after a breakup because they constantly worry about what their partner did while with them.
If you constantly worry about your partner’s past sexual experiences, or you worry that they have contracted an STD or other disease, it can be very difficult to let go after a breakup. You may feel the need to stalk your partner or constantly ask them about their sexual history. That all makes it extremely challenging to let go after a breakup.
3. A possible Relationship OCD sign: Constant fear of abandonment
People with OCD often have a fear of contracting diseases, and this fear can extend to a fear of contracting germs, diseases, and even other people’s emotions. If you are constantly worried about being abandoned by your partner, this can be a sign of Relationship OCD.
A possible sign of the illness is the constant fear of being left alone or a fear of being abandoned. They often feel a need to be in a relationship to feel secure.
If you have this fear, you may have a hard time being alone, and you may constantly nag your partner to stay with you. You may also feel extremely guilty if your partner wants to leave you alone for a short period, such as when they go to work or spend time with their friends.
4. You’re anxious in every relationship
If you are constantly anxious in every relationship you are in, this can signify that you have Relationship OCD. Someone who suffers from Relationship OCD often has trouble feeling secure in every relationship they are in.
This feeling often causes them to have a very difficult time with breakups. Why? They consistently worry about the actions they have taken while they were with their partner.
If you are anxious in every relationship, you may have difficulty opening up and being yourself around your partner. You may feel you have to hide your true self from your partner. You may also feel you have to micromanage every detail of your relationship.
5. Feeling guilty about every mistake you make
Do you constantly feel guilty after every mistake you make in a relationship? If so, this can be a sign of Relationship OCD.
People with OCD often feel a need to constantly be in control. They often feel a need to micromanage every detail of their life, and this can extend to their relationships as well.
If you feel like you have to constantly micromanage your relationship and constantly feel the need to be in control of everything, this can lead to feeling guilty for every mistake you make. You may also feel guilty for making your partner happy because you feel like you don’t deserve it.
Concluding words on Relationship OCD
If you notice any of these warning signs in your relationship, it is important to seek help. Relationship OCD can be a very challenging disorder to deal with. It can damage all of your relationships if left untreated. Seek professional treatment as soon as you notice these signs so you can get help and also avoid losing more people in your life.