Dear Sarah:

If there is something for you to fix, I would aim at fixing it in the next relationship. Because of the short duration of this one, and his sentiment expressed to you, reads to me that it is too late for this one. Not that the responsibility is all yours for this  one ending. But whatever it was that you were indeed responsible for, that you can fix in the next relationship.

Find the middle ground between playing it cool and appearing too needy. Here is my suggestion: aim at honest, truthful communication above all. Be clear and direct.

Here is how it is possible, I believe, to be truthful and to not appear overly needy: if you use a strong tone, a confident tone and maybe a small smile when you say to a man: “I am needy” or “I am definitely needy”- it won’t sound overly needy. Don’t say it with a little girl’ voice with a question mark at the end of your statement. State it like a strong woman. If he then asks you how you are needy, tell him the truth, again, with a strong woman tone. There is strength in doing that.

anita