How do I deal with separation anxiety?

I have developed separation anxiety for the first time in my life. In the 10 years I've been dating I've never been one to be overly attached to my mate. I mean I'm full of affection and miss my beloveds when we're apart but this time it's different. My man was recently away for seven days, and unreachable by phone, and in that time, when I wasn't fervently finding things to try to distract myself from the empty feeling he left me behind with, I was literally staring at the phone wishing it would ring. I'm a little worried for myself. I don't want to find myself creating a secret closet shrine if he's ever out of touch again in the future. Got any advice that'll keep me from turning into a bad '50s love song?--My Boyfriend's Back

Anna Pulley, @annapulley

January 17, 2013