Craving love is a natural part of being human—we all experience it! The desire for love and affection is universal, and it’s completely normal to feel a constant need for it. Even though most people may not openly express this need (often out of fear of seeming needy or vulnerable), everyone feels it deep down. 

In my experience, I was fortunate enough to receive plenty of attention, appreciation, and love without even asking for it. Yet, despite this, I found myself constantly searching for more love and validation. It was as if I didn’t truly understand what I wanted, leaving me feeling unsatisfied.

Starting my self-growth journey forced me to decode many thoughts and emotions in my head. Through this process, I discovered some key reasons behind my ongoing need for external love and validation. I hope that by sharing these thoughts, you can gain a better understanding of your own quest for love and appreciation.

Why do we constantly seek love and attention?

• Lack of Affection During Childhood: Not receiving enough love or attention from parents or family members during childhood can create a lifelong desire to seek love and approval.
  
• Too Much Love in the Past: On the flip side, those who were overly pampered or given an excess of affection in their early years might find themselves constantly craving that same level of love and attention as adults. When real-life relationships don’t match up to those early experiences, it can leave a void.
  
• Absence of Romantic Relationships: Not being in a romantic relationship or struggling to find one can heighten the yearning for love and intimacy.
  
• Stress and Life Challenges: Experiencing difficulties in work, school, or other aspects of life can leave us feeling overwhelmed and increase the need for emotional support and love.
  
• Lack of Passion or Purpose: Feeling disconnected from a sense of purpose or lacking passion can lead us to seek love as a way to fill that emotional gap. You may have heard someone say, “You need to get a job,” which often implies that you should stop seeking attention from others and redirect your focus towards something more productive.
  
• Fear of Loneliness: The fear of being alone can drive us to seek out love and companionship, often leading us to enter relationships that may not be fulfilling.
  
• Media Portrayals of Love: Movies, television, and social media often depict idealised versions of love, leading us to seek out these unrealistic standards in our own lives.
  
• Insecurity and Low Self-Esteem: When we struggle with insecurity or low self-esteem, we may look for love and approval from others to feel better about ourselves.