Commitment phobia, also known as the fear of commitment or relationship anxiety, is a common issue that can affect various aspects of life. People with commitment phobia are often seen displaying behaviours like avoiding discussions about the future, always seeking the “perfect” partner without committing, maintaining emotional distance in relationships, and struggling to be vulnerable. People with relationship anxiety often self-sabotage their relationships by avoiding emotional intimacy and trust, which leads to a lack of commitment and a habit to jump from partner to partner. Such people may also fear losing their freedom and independence in a committed relationship, which causes them to push away partners who demand commitment. To cope, some people with commitment phobia seek validation by getting into multiple casual relationships, which help them find temporary relief from their anxiety.
As a partner of someone with commitment phobia, it’s important to know the root cause of these behaviours and deal with empathy and communication. Let’s take a closer look at why some people are commitment phobic, how to identify these behaviours and how to effectively deal with them.