Am i too attached or is this normal?

Yes, I know what you're thinking. You're thinking I'm crazy. I likely am. But growing up I never made too many friends, and the ones I got close to would grow more distant from me. My first friend I got close to was in elementary school, but we became distant when I switched schools and lost touch. Another guy I got close to in middle school ended up abandoning me the following year for other friends and it was the main reason why I became less trusting of people. I was always quiet and he likely got bored of me. In high school I just floated around. I would hang out with people at school but never got close with them.

Then a couple years ago I came across a girl online and we started talking. I've made a lot of online friends before so this was nothing new, but she was different. We have a bit of an age gap (for context I'm in my early 20s and she's still a teenager - we're 3 and a half years apart in age) but we get along so well. We later found out that we have lots of things in common and we would talk like every single day. It wasn't just small talk either, we would talk about everything and sustain the conversation for hours and hours. I've even told her things I've never told anyone else, and she's done the same with me. She's been brutally honest with me this whole time and it's something I love about her. I can tell her about anything and not feel like I'm being judged. She's like a perfect reflection of myself where I can just be myself with her.

But I feel like I've also become too attached to her at certain times. Not all the time because I can still live my life without having a mental breakdown and can definitely survive if I don't talk to her for a period of time, but there are times where I'd get anxious that she didn't reply back and ultimately jump to the conclusion that she hates me. There are times I even lashed out at her because I thought she was ignoring me. We've argued only a few times but every time we forgave each other and moved on. Sometimes I even get worried that she'll slowly forget about me and get closer to her other friends. She's told me many times she'll never forget me and she'll always love me no matter what, but that thought still pops in my mind.

I do have a bit of anxiety and have been working on reducing this through meditating. It's worked a bit, but I still have my moments where I "relapse" and go back to my old habits. I just wanted to know what you guys think. Any feedback is appreciated.

You're too attached 1
It's normal 5
It's a mixture of both 6
Other (specify in comments) 0
Help us keep this site organized and clean. Thanks!
[ Report Post ]
Comments ( 4 )
  • I had this once or twice. They always leave...

    Comment Hidden ( show )
  • LookAUsername

    I don't think it's being over-attached, you've just had bad past experiences. I think over time, while still talking to your online friend, you can slowly break the habit of being so nervous and untrusting of people. Sometimes people like the one you found can be a sort of angel in your life and help you out.

    Comment Hidden ( show )
      -
    • JonathanOo

      Exactly. Just don't lash out at them and be more patient. You'll risk losing a friend if you begin to act like a jerk. Otherwise just take it slow. Be thankful you have someone because it sucks being alone

      Comment Hidden ( show )
  • Ascelin

    Sounds to me like you have trust issues and I can completely relate. I think it's safer not to really trust people, you never know what they'll do. If she's a nice person and good friend though, she'll understand your anxiety and be accepting.

    Comment Hidden ( show )