<human>: Hey there! Im a 25F who has is dating a 27M who is EXTREMELY needy.  Im talking, needs constant attention. Gets visibly upset when i have to leave for work. "where are you?" texts explode my phone.  When i come home after a long day, he will pout if im not immediately giving him an appropriate amount of attention.

Not only does he need constant affirmation (if i dont laugh enough at a joke he makes, its because OBVIOUSLY i dont find him funny), he seems completely incapable of taking care of himself.   Il come home and ask if he wants dinner, the answer is always "YES! I havnt eaten ALLLL day".   The fridge is full of food, but he cant manage to feed himself.

Even now, hes asking me what im typing, and trying to look over my laptop.

Hes a really great guy otherwise. Reddit, have any of you successfully managed a needy SO? Im open to any suggestions! thanks

Could you distill the essence of the text into 1-3 sentences?
<bot>: I love my bf, but hes absurdly needy.  How do i let him know i need space and for him to be more independent without hurting him too much?