Hi Gymgirl, to answer the question posed in your title, yes smothering behavior is a turn-off and will push anyone away. Why don't you experiment, back off, and let him text or initiate communication? And when he says he may not be able to get together, don't keep texting him about getting together and let him decide and come to you? Try changing the behavior entirely.... you don't have to let him initiate always, but just back off by a large amount and see what happens. Hugs to you.