There’s a major difference between feeling content in yourself and needing a relationship to feel complete.

When we rely on a relationship to fill a void, it’s like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole.

But being content within yourself allows for healthier relationships, because you’re not depending on someone else to make you feel whole.

In essence, its about behaviors. 

In this article, I explore the 9 habits of people who need a relationship to feel complete. 

Let’s get started. 

1) They’re constantly in relationships

There’s something to be admired about people who are comfortable with being single. They seem to have this inner peace and self-contentment that doesn’t require another person to validate.

On the other hand, there are those who bounce from one relationship to another, with barely any breathing space in between.

It’s like they’re perpetually in a relationship marathon, always on the hunt for the next partner.

This behavior often points to a deep-rooted need for validation and completeness from an external source.

For them, being single isn’t an option. It’s as if they believe their worth is tied to their relationship status.

This puts undue pressure on their partners and the relationship itself. And more importantly, it can lead to a cycle of unhealthy relationships.

 A relationship should be a choice, not a necessity.

2) They fear being alone

This one hits close to home. I’ll never forget how a close friend of mine once confessed to me that she was terrified of being alone.

Every time a relationship ended, she would immediately start looking for someone else. It wasn’t about liking or loving the other person. It was more about not wanting to be alone.

I remember one night when we were hanging out at her place, and she broke down, admitting how she felt incomplete without someone by her side.

She said, “I don’t know who I am without a partner.”

To her, being alone meant being lonely. But the truth is, there’s a big difference between the two.

Being alone can be empowering; it gives you the chance to discover who you really are outside of a relationship.

3) They often abandon personal interests

When people start depending on a relationship for their sense of completeness, they often start to lose interest in their own hobbies and passions.

They may start to mirror their partner’s interests or even abandon their own altogether.

Take a look at the world of music, for example. Studies have shown that people are more likely to change their music preference to align with their partner’s when they feel insecure in a relationship.

It’s a form of adaptive behavior where they believe that by sharing similar interests, they’ll become more desirable to their partner.

This can lead to a loss of individuality and personal growth.

A healthy relationship should allow both partners to pursue their own interests while supporting each other’s.

4) They often exhibit low self-esteem

People who require a relationship to feel complete often struggle with low self-esteem.

They may continuously seek reassurance from their partner or rely heavily on their partner’s opinions and thoughts, often disregarding their own.

This constant need for validation from someone else can be suffocating and can create an unhealthy dynamic in the relationship.

They might constantly question their worth and whether they’re good enough for their partner.

This behavior stems from the belief that their value is tied to being wanted or loved by someone else. 

Self-esteem should come from within, not be dictated by a relationship status or a partner’s opinion. 

5) They’re always looking for the next partner

Ever noticed how some people always have their eyes on the horizon, constantly scouting for potential partners?

It’s like they have this internal radar constantly switched on, even when they’re in a relationship.

This behavior often stems from the fear of being alone and the need to have someone lined up, just in case their current relationship ends.

They’re always prepared to jump ship at the first sight of trouble, as the thought of being single is too daunting for them.

This constant search for the next partner can prevent them from fully committing to their current relationship.

It can also lead to a string of superficial relationships, as they’re more focused on having someone, anyone, rather than forming a deep, meaningful connection.

6) They compromise their values

Our values define us. They’re our guiding principles, shaping our decisions and actions.

But people who need a relationship to feel complete often compromise their values to keep their partner happy.

They may ignore red flags, accept poor treatment, or even engage in behaviors that go against their core beliefs.

It’s like they’re wearing rose-colored glasses, seeing only what they want to see and ignoring the reality.

This is one of the most heartbreaking behaviors. It’s painful to see someone you care about lose themselves in a relationship, sacrificing their values for the illusion of completeness.

7) They neglect their personal growth

A few years back, I found myself in a relationship that consumed my identity.

I was so engrossed in being a part of a couple that I forgot about my personal growth and development.

I stopped setting personal goals and challenging myself.

My world revolved around the relationship, and I neglected my own needs and aspirations. It was as if my personal growth had taken the backseat while the relationship drove my life.

I later realized that this behavior was unhealthy. Personal growth is vital, relationship or not. 

8) They struggle with identity outside of a relationship

It’s common for individuals who rely on a relationship for completeness to struggle with their sense of identity when they’re not part of a couple.

They might feel lost or unsure of who they are outside of their relationship.

Their identity becomes so intertwined with their partner’s that they struggle to define themselves independently.

This dependence can lead to an identity crisis whenever they find themselves single, as they’ve associated their sense of self so closely with being part of a couple.

While relationships can be a significant part of our lives, they don’t define us.

9) They place their happiness in the hands of others

People who need a relationship to feel complete often place their happiness in the hands of their partner.

Their mood, their satisfaction, their sense of joy – everything is tied to their relationship status.

This dependence on someone else for happiness is a precarious position to be in. It’s like giving someone else the remote control to your emotions.

When things are good, they’re on cloud nine; but when things are bad, they plummet into despair.

It’s important to understand that happiness is an inside job. It’s something we cultivate within ourselves, not something we should expect others to provide.

Your happiness should never be contingent on someone else; it should come from within you, independent of any relationship.

The bottom line: It’s about self-love and completeness within

At the heart of these behaviors lies a fundamental truth – the need for self-love and finding completeness within ourselves.

Whether we are single or in a relationship, our sense of completeness should come from within us.

It’s about understanding and accepting ourselves, nurturing our growth, and not losing our identity in the pursuit of a relationship.

 A partner can add beautiful dimensions to our lives, but the responsibility for our happiness and sense of completeness will always reside within us.