Type I relationship addicts just want "a relationship". Type II relationship addicts want a relationship with one particular person. Relationship Addiction can be broken down into three categories: romance addiction, relationship addiction, and sexual addiction.

Both types of relationship addicts have developed the skills of listening, sharing feelings (though not real), and being there and paying attention -- that are quite seductive and useful.

They use manipulation and control skills that appear to be being used to develop a relationship. They "protect their supply" by doing all the "right" things in a relationship. In their fear of intimacy they are much more comfortable with the illusion of intimacy.

Relationship addicts are terrified of being alone and move from one relationship to another immediately, without taking time to grieve the loss of the relationship and then carry their unresolved feelings into the next relationship.

Relationship addicts are often concerned about or jealous of a partner's previous relationships or marriages. **

** Excerpts from 'Escape From Intimacy' by Anne Wilson Schaef, (c) 1989, author of 'Women's Reality'.