
My need for affection feels pathological at this point
My(25F) entire adult life, I’ve been running after romantic love/ connection/ affection. And it’s getting worse since a few months. I didn’t have a childhood filled with affection or anything like that. I don’t want to go into it but things never felt safe at home.
I started dating at 19. Literally every guy I’ve dated, serious, casual has ended up dumping me. I have gotten into physical stuff a few times even when I wasn’t completely into it just to get the guy’s affection.
I do a lot of things for myself, I have hobbies, I have an interesting social life,I have friends, I do self care. If you ask me my honest opinion about myself, I will tell you I’m great. Yet this need for romantic connection reeks of low self esteem.
The fact of the matter is - I’ve never felt chosen by anyone in my life. Friends, family, boyfriends. And it has become a need at this point which I am consumed by.
I just want to feel safe and seen.
I know things always work out, I will find my person but how do I deal with this meanwhile?