IsYour Neediness Driving Him Away?

Maybe you've seen this phenomenon among your friends. The once life-of-the-party single girl, completely self-sufficient with her successful career, balanced checkbook and perfectly maintained life, lands a man and then suddenly can't seem to think for herself. Meanwhile, her new beau wonders what happened to the independent firecracker he fell in love with.

We don't know what makes some women suddenly have more cling than plastic wrap, but here's how to make sure you don't become one of them.

Needy No-No #1: Being Attached at the Hip
He loves that you feel so close to him-but that doesn't mean he wants you to demonstrate it physically at every opportunity, including work functions and family get-togethers. Relax your rules about mandatory hand-holding, full body contact, hair-ruffling and public displays of affection. He'll be relieved if you feel comfortable enough to do your own thing in social situations...and all the more eager to get his hands on you later.

Needy No-No #2: Asking for Approval
Ask yourself if he really needs to weigh in on your every decision (Should I go blonde? Should I get this skirt in blue or green? Rocky Road or Cookie Dough ice cream?) It's still a good idea to consult him on major issues, but don't look to him for reassurance of your decision-making abilities.

Needy No-No #3: Sticking Him with Social Planning
He hates feeling like you rely on him to supply all the fun and entertainment in the relationship, because he feels guilty every time he wants to hang out with the guys or has to work late or take a business trip. Show him you can do your own thing.

Needy No-No #4: Seeking His Reassurance
He feels the fact that he's sleeping with you at all is evidence of his attraction, so he doesn't understand your maniacal need for him to constantly praise your good looks and sex appeal. It's okay to occasionally remind an inattentive man what a hot babe he's scored, just refrain from nagging him for reassurance that, no, that does not make your butt look fat.

Needy No-No #5: Making Phone Tag a Test
Some dependent dames indignantly inform their dudes when she's called him three times and it's his turn to pick up the phone. Or tally up the number of emails she's sent, versus those he's sent, and read into what the ratio means for their relationship. He just doesn't place the same importance on "just checking in" as you do and isn't going to dial up just to chat. Especially when he knows you will anyway.

Needy No-No #6: Overanalyzing Everything
Do you freak when he doesn't end a phone call with "I love you"? Spend a few hours with your girlfriends figuring out what he meant by "working late" last night? Overanalyzing his every little action will drive him crazy...and make you look that way. Do what he does: Take things at face value.