I was neglected and abused as a child. For many years i would try to get attention from outside sources. I wrecked a lot of relationships that way, both romantic and friendship wise.

In therapy I realized that it was because I didn't know how to meet my own emotional needs. I basically had to reparent myself--work on fulfilling that hole I had that wasn't filled by my parents. It took a few years, but now I don't *need* to rely on other people to feel loved. I like to be around people but I don't have to get attention from them anymore.