Clingy Or Connected? 5 Signs You Might Be Codependent On Your Partner - Page 3

3. You feel insecure or anxious when they don’t validate you enough.

If you find yourself obsessing over small signs of neglect—like your partner not responding to a text or failing to praise your accomplishments—it may be a sign that your self-worth has become too tied to your actions. Dr. Romanoff explains that constantly second-guessing yourself based on minor signs of neglect suggests your sense of validation comes from outside sources rather than from within.

To create independence, start by building internal validation by celebrating your achievements on your own. Forbes notes that you can eliminate negative thoughts by “naming and focusing on your good traits.” Practice self-affirmation techniques, such as listing your strengths or keeping a journal of your successes. The more you rely on your own validation, the less anxious you’ll feel when external validation is delayed.