Understanding Dating | Page 9

Experience ABANDONMENT

by a parent when young

According to Pia Mellody in her book Facing Love Addiction, “One way children may escape the pain of severe abandonment by the parents is to fantasize about being rescued by a hero of some kind…who has loving feelings for them and who does things that demonstrate this love by connecting with them, finally giving their life meaning and vitality.” As this child grows up they have a deep longing to find this “hero” and they look to that person to finally make them feel whole and fulfilled.