In the complex world of romantic relationships, distinguishing between true love and emotional dependence isn't always easy. Adrián Chico, a psychologist, has sought to shed light on this dilemma through a video that has gone viral on his TikTok account. His reflection invites people to reconsider how they experience and understand love today.
In this video, Adrián has explained that the main fear of someone who loves isn't losing their partner or breaking up. Rather, he has stated that the deepest fear is "hurting" the other person, making it clear that authentic love goes beyond control. This idea has resonated with many people, who have acknowledged how difficult it is to love without causing harm.
Love or need? Learn to identify the difference
The psychologist has insisted that those who truly love fear that their own traumas and insecurities might cause suffering to the person they love. He has emphasized that genuine love is based on the commitment to care for and make the other person happy, not on keeping a relationship at all costs. Thanks to this reflection, people can differentiate between healthy love and emotional dependence.
Adrián has also pointed out that phrases like "I don't know what I'd do without you" usually arise from a deep emotional void. These kinds of expressions reflect a fear of loneliness and the need to find refuge in a partner, rather than true love. Thus, he has invited people to analyze what they really fear losing: the person or the emotional comfort they provide.
This distinction is essential for assessing the health of any relationship. He has warned that when someone loves only for how another person makes them feel, what they actually fear is losing access to their presence. For this reason, knowing this difference can prevent people from falling into relationships based on need rather than sincere affection.
Keys to recognize and cultivate healthy love
According to the psychologist, true love drives people to be the best version of themselves for the other person, without fear of loneliness or dependence. His reflection serves as a valuable tool for those who have doubts and seek clarity in their emotional bonds. In addition, it helps people identify when it's necessary to reconsider or seek professional help.
In practice, emotional dependence manifests itself with clear signs such as insecurity, jealousy, low self-esteem, and intense fear of breaking up. Psychologist María Escalpez has provided a list of signs that allow people to detect it in time and avoid suffering in a toxic relationship. Among these are low self-esteem, constant breakups and reconciliations, idealization of the partner, and the compulsion to know what the other person is doing at all times.
Finally, Adrián Chico invites people to rethink love from the perspective of responsibility and mutual care. He highlights that truly loving means protecting the other person's well-being, not clinging out of fear of losing them. This way, it's possible to build lasting bonds based on trust, respect, and shared growth.