I've been on both ends of this lol i've been the suffocated one and i've been the clingy one and they both suck. i really only have one piece of advice for you:
Originally Posted by
SpeedyJason 
how do you begin to reprogram yourself
I don't think you should have to "reprogram" yourself for something like this, this is your personality and how you feel. Find someone that understands that you need your space and to respect that (some affection towards your lover is also not a bad idea haha)