cling·y
/ˈkliNGē/
adjective
A word used to shame people for being more into you than you are into them.
Fortunately, I haven't been called "clingy" yet, but I'm sure it's coming eventually. For me, I've recognized that "going all in" is actually just my dating style. If there's chemistry on the first date, I chase. I don't obsess about them, but I do think about them several times a day and may even message them when they pop into my mind. Most guys are flattered by the attention, but the damaged, suspicious, guarded tend to be uncomfortable with that level of attention. And, of course, this can lead them just to ghost on you, because they're too weak to either confront you or deal with their discomfort.
However, strong men with a heightened level of emotional intelligence will respond to unwanted attention by: a) telling you that you're moving too fast, b) tell you that they're not interested based on a preference, or c) tell you that your attention makes them uncomfortable and explore the reasons why.
So if someone calls you "clingy," recognize that it's says more about them then it does you. Don't fall into their shaming. It is never wrong to invest time and energy into another human being. It's up to them to let you know if it's unwelcome and how they do that is a direct reflection on their character, not yours.
