• Phase 1: The initial excitement and infatuation stage where commitment seems easy.
Commitment phobia is not a thing during this phase. Everything feels like a walk in the park, with rainbows and unicorns everywhere. It’s all sunshine and happiness until reality hits.
• Phase 2: Doubt and fear sets in, causing the individual to question their feelings and ability to commit.
This is when things start getting real. Fear creeps up on you like that one creepy uncle at family gatherings who always makes inappropriate jokes. You begin questioning your own emotions – “Do I really love them?” or “Am I even capable of committing?”
• Phase 3: Avoidance behaviors begin as a way to protect oneself from potential hurt or disappointment.
It’s time for some classic avoidance tactics! Ghosting, avoiding texts/calls, pretending you’re too busy…the list goes on. All these methods may seem effective at first but they only lead to more problems down the line.
• Phase 4: Sabotage of relationships becomes common as a means of avoiding long-term commitment.
At this point, it’s almost second nature to sabotage any relationship that starts getting serious because let’s face it – nobody wants to be tied down (except maybe dogs). So why bother trying?
• Phase 5: A sense of loneliness may set in due to the inability to maintain meaningful connections with others.
Ah yes, sweet loneliness – everyone’s favorite feeling! When we avoid connection altogether because we’re afraid of being vulnerable or opening ourselves up emotionally, we end up alone wondering what went wrong.
• Phase 6: Seeking help through therapy or self-help books can be an effective way to overcome commitment phobia.
Therapy isn’t just for people who have lost touch with reality; sometimes seeking professional help is necessary when dealing with deep-seated fears such as commitment phobia. And hey if therapy isn’t your thing, there’s always self-help books!
• Phase 7: The fear of missing out on a fulfilling relationship may motivate the individual to confront their commitment phobia.
FOMO is real folks. When we see our friends in happy relationships or scrolling through Instagram and seeing cute couples everywhere, it can trigger us into realizing that maybe we do want something more than just Netflix and chill.
• Phase 8: Gaining insight into past experiences and traumas can help individuals understand and overcome their fear of commitment.
Sometimes understanding where our fears come from is half the battle! By exploring past experiences/traumas that have led to this fear, one can start working towards overcoming it.
• Phase 9: Learning healthy communication skills is essential for building strong, committed relationships.
Communication – not just reserved for politicians trying to get votes but also an important aspect of any relationship. Being able to express yourself effectively helps build trust between partners which ultimately leads to stronger commitments.
• Phase 10: Setting realistic expectations for oneself and one’s partner can alleviate pressure in a relationship and reduce anxiety about commitment.
We all know the saying “expectations lead to disappointment”. It’s true – setting unrealistic expectations puts unnecessary pressure on both parties involved in a relationship leading only to feelings of failure when those expectations aren’t met.
• Phase 11: Developing self-confidence through personal growth activities such as exercise or hobbies can increase an individual’s ability to commit.
Working on ourselves outside of relationships allows us time to develop confidence within ourselves; making us less dependent on others for validation thus increasing our ability (and willingness) toward committing.
• Phase 12: Surrounding oneself with supportive friends and family members who encourage positive behavior changes can be beneficial in overcoming commitment phobia.
Having people around you who support you no matter what makes life easier doesn’t it? Especially when dealing with difficult issues like commitment-phobia! Surrounding yourself with a supportive community can make all the difference.
P.S. You should check out these commitment phobia books at Amazon. (affiliate link)