Obsessive Behavior In Romatic Relationships

[Desert_dweller5]

I have noticed a pattern in myself that has caused much consern in my life.  I meet a girl then go out with this girl and then I start thinking about her. She then becomes an obsession and she's all I think about and I cant get my mind off of her or even things that interest me I obsess about.  My family repremands me whenever I appear to them to be obsessing over something.  Is this normal?  My obsessive behavior has resulted in me getting dumped repeatedly.  I don't know what to do. I feel like I have Separational Anxiety Disorder from reading the other posted questions.  could anyone please help me?
thanks
Desert_dweller5

[outdoorslover]

I am concerned about my son, age 21.  Each time he has had a girlfriend (2 pretty steady ones so far) he seems to be so "obsessed" with her that all other areas of his life suffer.  During his first relationship, he began failing college courses and ended up with a DUI after their breakup. He'd gone to college on a sports scholarship but was only there for a year and a half.  He is an extremely talented athlete and could possibly make it as a pro.

This time around, a lot of the same things are happening as far as poor choices being made on his part.  For instance, he'd been living at home, working on classes for his future career (which involves the same sport he received the college scholarship for) but decided "over night" he would move out.  In order to support himself, he has to work two jobs and does not have time for the classes.  

In another example, he has lost a tremendous amount of weight in several months time (60 lbs.) due to the fact that he's really gotten into running and eating a "workout diet", like chicken breasts, rice, and the "power" bars and drinks available.  He is working out 1-2 hours a day or running about 5+ miles per day.  

I saw in him, even as a youngster, that he would be super interested in one thing at a time and talk about it/do it so much he was driving everyone crazy.  

I'm just wondering if this behavior is common and if or how it relates to the troubles he has when he is in a relationship with a girl.

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

No, this is not a manifestation of separation anxiety, but such obsessive rumination does warrant psychological evalaution. Arrange an appointment with a mental health professional who can help you understand the behavior and how to address it.