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Hi Locke
I've been with a girl for about 2 weeks now and we've been going out for a week (as in gf bf) It doesn't sound long but as we live close to each other we've spend most of the two weeks together and most nights as well, so it seems longer.
My problem is that she's really clingy. I need to do a lot of work for uni but when I tell her I can't see her every time she gets all upset on me and says that i don't want to see her. If I'm on the phone and I say 'no, we definately can't see each other tonight' she hangs up straight away and then if i call her back is all upset... I need my space, I like her a lot but I have other things to do as well and don't need to see her every single day, but she doesn't understand this. I havn't acted clingy at all but on the other side i've definately shown enough attention to not seem uninterested. Don't know if it's relevant, but we're been sleeping together from pretty much the first time we went on a date (2 weeks ago) and the sex is great. I'm 20 and she's 21.
Thanks a lot!!! Chris
Chris! I am glad you asked this. It is a very common issue in relationships. One person is more clingy than the other. I would reference my "Orbiting Theory" post, but I am a lazy asshole and have not typed it up yet
It sounds to me like this is a good relationship in the making, with the exception of her attached-ness.
My first two recommendations:
Reduce the amount of reassurances you give to her. When she starts complaining that you don't want to see her, simply tell her you like spending time with her, but that her lack of confidence in the relationship is making things tough on you.
Secondly, reduce the amount of time you spend with her. Even if you really like the girl, there is no reason to be spending every night with someone you have only known for two weeks. It will a.) burn things out very quickly, and b.) create an unhealthy dependence.
What you want to do (and I would recommend hinting at this to her as well) is find a fun hobby that you can participate in that DOESN't involve her. Have her find something outside of your relationship as well....something that can occupy her time, keep her interest, and allow her to have FUN. When she has importance and value outside of the relationship, they tend to not flock towards the dependency. Which is a really good thing. A healthy relationship has sparsely placed dependency (but it does exist).
Just back off the escalation reigns. At this early stage you both should be living your separate lives, but sharing them.