Too Attached To People

I think I have a problem with being too attached to people. It's not just my parents, it's other people too. I've had a strong sense of attachment to two different high school seniors when I was in 8th grade (both females), and now I have it towards two different teachers now that I am a senior in high school (both these teachers are females as well). At some point, with all four of these women, I have shared a thought or a deep conversation with them about myself, which has made me feel close to them. I also have an incredibly strong emotional connection to my mom, which may seem excessive to most people. Normal kids are not as physically attached to their parents at age 18. I will cling to my mom in public and I don't even care. It seems like at all times I am wanting expression of love from these women. I want them to say how much they care for me and I want them to give me a hug. If they don't then when I am away from them I feel sad and I start to panic. I will often think I did something wrong when I was around them. I don't know what is wrong with me, but this is not normal! Men seems kind of different for me. With my dad, we are close, but I get irritated with him (for no reason) and often push him away. In past relationships I have had, I have always been the one to end them. I come up with dumb reasons to dump them, but it always seems like I am drawn to men. Many times I wont even care if there are feelings in the relationship, I just want the physical stuff. I feel like it may be because I am not getting the physical love from women, so men are the next best. I know men will give me that just because they are teenage boys (this makes me feel guilty because I know I'm using them). Another thing is, it may sound like I'm a lesbian or something, but I am not. I'm totally against it. Anyways, I need help! Does anyone know anything about this?

[specialmom]

Hi there.  Well, do you think you suffer from insecurity to the point that attaching to someone else is the only way you feel 'okay'?  Have you considered talking to a psychologist about this?  I think it could help you.  good luck

[Nighthawk61]

I really think it would be a great idea for you to talk to a psychologist about this, or maybe even your physician. You just need a bit of coaching right now dear, it's not a big deal to talk to a person for a few hours about healthy relationships right? We bring our car in for a tune up, we have a furnace man come in for a look, why not a psychologist. It's probably the best $$ you'll spend. Maybe your mom could help you to find someone? I sure wouldn't think twice about it. You can even access a psychologist on line if you wish.  Please don't attach a stigma on talking to a person who has studied psychology for goodness sake.  If only every family had a psychologist to bring these small concerns to, we'd all be in better shape wouldn't we? Good luck honey. It's not the worst thing in the world, and I just know that you can find some help for this. Okay? I'm here if you ever want to talk dear. Liz