Are You Addicted to Drama? How to Recognize and Heal Toxic Relationship Cycles

For some, love isn’t love unless it’s intense—texting marathons, heated arguments, and passionate reconciliations. But what if this roller coaster isn’t romance, but a symptom of Relationship Repetition Syndrome? Dr. Seth Meyers warns that many of us equate drama with love because it’s what we’ve always known. If you grew up in a chaotic household or had early relationships marked by unpredictability, calm can feel unfamiliar—even uncomfortable.

Why do we crave drama? Psychologists say it’s partly about adrenaline and partly about old emotional scripts. When chaos is the norm, stability feels dull. But real love isn’t supposed to drain you—it’s supposed to help you grow. The first step is recognizing the cycle: Are you drawn to partners who keep you guessing? Do you mistake anxiety for excitement?

To heal, start by acknowledging your patterns without shame. Use inventories and self-reflection to identify triggers, and practice setting boundaries. Healthy love may feel less thrilling at first, but over time, it brings a deeper sense of safety and fulfillment. As Dr. Meyers says, 'Boundaries are the distance at which I can love you and me simultaneously.'

Don’t let drama define your love story. With insight and support, you can break free—and discover that the calm after the storm is where real happiness begins.