Fear of commitment and relationships is a common characteristic shared by millions of people; the U.S. Census Bureau reports that the number of single individuals is only growing. While men have long been typecast as the gender that tends to fear relationships, more than 47 million single women live in the United States--the fastest-growing demographic, according to NBC's "The Today Show." If you have a fear of relationships that is holding you back from a love life, there are things you can do to improve your situation.
Step 1
Don't rush yourself into a new relationship. If you're just coming out of a relationship and are emotionally wounded, pushing yourself into another one before you are ready can only do harm. Many times it induces a fear of commitment that puts your new relationship in limbo. You're better off taking the time necessary to rebuild your self-esteem and independence, and when you're happy and healthy, pursue a relationship with caution.
Step 2
Talk through your fear with a friend or potential partner. Determine if your fear is a superficial one rooted in your desire to be free and single, or if you have fears stemming from trauma or prior experiences. It will be difficult to draw sympathy if your reasons are the former, but many times a fear of commitment--a true, emotionally stressful fear--has a cause that might be tucked away in your subconscious. Discuss the various aspects of relationships that scare you, or potential situations that instill fear, to try and get to the root of things. It will take time for you to process this trauma, but it is the only way to overcome your fears short of seeking professional help, according to HelpGuide.org.
Step 3
Visit with a therapist or other mental health professional about your fears. If time cannot heal your wounds, therapy may be the quickest and most effective way of working through your problems and returning you to a healthy view of relationships. HelpGuide.org recommends seeking professional help if several months pass without any marked improvement in your state of mind. Don't make the mistake of letting fear cripple you and keep you from growing close to another individual--ask for patience from him and be proactive in your quest to reconcile your fears.
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