My wife and I have been married 7yrs. In times of inadequacy I seek affirmation on dating apps.

I before have written this off as male desires for "more" but an online agent helped me realize that I act this way when feeling small.

My mother, though active in my life, didn't show much affection nor interest in me as a youth and I fear that my failure to address my weaknesses has led to my wife being bruised.

My wife is fed up with my reaching out for attention. Recently finding month old messages, she is on the verge of leaving.

I have never before explored my insecurities in this way and I just hope speaking with a professional would help better define these things so that my wife no longer has to deal with disappointment.

Any ideas how to navigate the lows of feeling insignificant to avoid seeking affirmation in unclean ways?