How to Stop Being Needy and Clingy

Ever had a date tell you that you were too needy or clingy? Those comments seem to happen more often than you would think. Sometimes it might come from a guy that needs an excuse to need things, but you might actually be too clingy. If you want to stop being needy, examine your past.

Instructions

1. Think about your last few relationships. Just because your last boyfriend cheated because you weren't around doesn't mean all guys act like that. Think about how you treated your last partner and realize that you can be more independent.

2. Give yourself time to spend around your friends and family instead of always putting your partner first. The more time you spend with others, the less time you have to spend driving your significant other crazy with your clinginess.

3. Slow things down when you first meet someone new, especially if you haven't recovered fully from your last relationship. It's easy to make someone new the center of your universe, but if you slow down you can stop this from happening.

4. Expand your social network. The more friends and people you have around, the less likely you are to cling to one particular person. The next time you want to see that new movie, call someone from your group instead of immediately depending on your partner.

5. Pick up a new hobby or reinvest in an old one to take your mind off the person. Instead of immediately calling him or her for a chat, reach for your book, knitting etc. and focus on that. If after an hour you still want to call them, go ahead and do it.

6. Reach for the phone and call someone else and force yourself not to talk about the person. This little step will help you remember that you have other things going on in your life beyond that one person that's around.

Tips & Warnings

• Take some time out for yourself, which means turning off the phone and not checking your email ten times a day. When that person wants to call you or email you, they will. You don't need to obsessively contact them.

• Sex only makes things worse and if you sleep with someone too soon, it can bring out your needy or clingy side. Don't sleep with someone just because you think that's what they want.