Separation anxiety/clingy with partner

[sanderella]

I wonder if I lean on my husband too much or am too clingy. My life is changing at the moment, I'm starting a PhD and will go away for 10 days to a summer school next week. I can't bear the thought of being away from him, and for other occasions when I'll have to travel. I am anxious that this will affect our relationship. It seems as if the other students are mainly younger and single, and the social events and trips that happen are coloured by this, and I'm worried that somehow it will all take me away from him. Also I read a book about PhDs which says they put severe strain on relationships! I have no real reason to think that anything will happen to us, maybe I'm just being extra clingy because of my anxiety about all this change. Does anyone else get like this? How can I cope with this silly separation anxiety on top of dealing with the new experiences?

[ocdengineer]

Just make sure you allocate time for your family too.  I know my Masters has put a little stress on my family, but I took the summer off to be with my wife and two kids and it helped alleviate the stress.  It will be a balancing act just like all the other stressors, so it just requires some effort and you will be fine.  I am sure your husband understands that there will be less available time for him while you are in school.  Does he support your decision to go back?  If so, then you will be fine!

Take care,
OE