• FOMO (fear of missing out) is a common factor that can contribute to fear of commitment.
Let’s face it, no one wants to miss out on anything. But for people with fear of commitment FOMO, the thought of committing to one person or thing can be terrifying because they’re worried about what else they might be missing out on. It’s like trying to decide which flavor ice cream you want when there are 31 flavors staring back at you from the freezer section – overwhelming!
• People with fear of commitment may experience anxiety about making long-term plans or commitments.
Committing to something long-term requires us to think beyond just today and tomorrow. And if someone has a fear of commitment FOMO, this kind of thinking can cause major stress and anxiety. They might worry about whether they’ll still feel the same way in five years as they do now, or if there will be better opportunities down the road. It’s enough to make anyone break out into cold sweats!
• Fear of commitment can stem from past relationship trauma, such as abandonment or betrayal.
We’ve all been hurt before – it comes with the territory when dealing with matters of the heart! But for some folks who have experienced particularly traumatic events in their romantic lives, these experiences can leave deep-seated fears that make them hesitant to commit again. Think trust issues turned up to eleven!
• Some individuals with fear of commitment may struggle with intimacy and vulnerability in relationships.
Being vulnerable isn’t easy for anyone – but for those who suffer from a fear of commitment FOMO, opening themselves up emotionally feels like walking across hot coals while wearing socks made entirely out of sandpaper! The idea that someone could get close enough to see our true selves is downright petrifying sometimes.
• Social media and the prevalence instant gratification culture exacerbate feelings related fomo
Social media has given us access not only endless cat videos and memes, but also an endless stream of other people’s lives. It can be hard to not compare our own experiences with those we see on Instagram or Facebook – especially when it comes to relationships! And in a world where swiping left or right is the norm, instant gratification culture only makes things worse.
• Fearful avoidant attachment styles are often associated with fear of commitment and difficulty forming secure attachments in relationships.
Attachment theory tells us that our early experiences shape how we attach (or don’t) to others later in life. For someone who has had negative early relationship experiences, this can lead them down a path towards fearful avoidance: wanting intimacy but being afraid of getting hurt again. It’s like trying to hug a cactus!
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy and exposure therapy have been shown to be effective treatments for overcoming fears related to commitment.
The good news is there IS hope for those suffering from fear of commitment FOMO! Therapy can help individuals work through their anxieties around committing long-term by identifying root causes and developing coping strategies. Exposure therapy helps desensitize folks by gradually exposing them more and more over time until they feel comfortable enough commit fully without feeling overwhelmed.
• The desire for freedom and independence is often at odds with the need for intimacy that those with fear of commitment experience
It’s tough balancing competing needs – kind of like trying juggle chainsaws while riding a unicycle across Niagara Falls! But finding ways to balance autonomy AND connection is key if you want both yourself AND your partner(s) happy.