Commitment issues, also known as relationship anxiety, commitment phobia, or fear of commitment, refer to a pattern of ambivalence and a lack of consistency in a persons ability to dedicate themselves to a long-term goal or a relationship. These issues often arise when a relationship begins to progress to the next level, such as becoming exclusive, moving in together, or planning a future together.
Some common signs of commitment issues include:
- Difficulty talking about the future
- Unwillingness to take the next steps in a relationship
- A history of casual, short-term relationships
- Looking for reasons to end a relationship
- Feeling uncomfortable when discussing long-term commitments.
The causes of commitment issues can vary and may include:
- Fears about the relationship, such as fear of being hurt or fear of being with the wrong person
- Trauma from a past relationship or a difficult breakup
- Attachment style, which is a psychological theory about the way we relate to others.
To address commitment issues, individual therapy can be a helpful starting point for examining the underlying reasons behind these challenges. Therapy can explore past relationships, childhood experiences, and attachment styles to help individuals develop a better understanding of their commitment issues and work towards resolving them.
