Dating and relationships are exhilarating journeys filled with the promise of connection, companionship, and love. However, these journeys are not immune to the powerful influence of fear. Fear, in its various forms (and it shows up in all sorts of ways), can weave its way into the fabric of relationships, impacting both individuals and the connection they share.
In this blog, we’ll explore how fear can affect dating and relationships, unravelling its manifestations and offering insights on how to navigate its complexities.
Let’s look at some of the common fears that come up.
1. Fear of Rejection:
The fear of rejection is a common hurdle in the dating world. The prospect of putting oneself out there and the uncertainty of how the other person will respond can be paralysing. This fear can cause individuals to withhold their true feelings or avoid taking risks, hindering the potential for genuine connection.
One of the clients I worked with had a fear of rejection. She wanted a serious relationship and to settle down, however, she only seemed to attract men who wanted casual relationships.
This was her subconscious’s way of protecting her. If she never got into a serious relationship, she could never truly be rejected. However, at the same time, all the casual relationships meant she was still rejected as they didn’t want anything serious with her. So her subconscious was both protecting her from getting hurt but also fulfilling that fear and reinforcing it. That’s when it becomes this vicious cycle.
Obviously to break this cycle we EAMed (Energy Alignment Method) on it! I was happy to hear the following year that she had met someone and was in a serious relationship. Woop!
2. Fear of Vulnerability:
Opening up and being vulnerable is a cornerstone of intimacy. However, the fear of being emotionally exposed or hurt can cause individuals to build emotional walls, preventing the deep connection that comes with shared vulnerability.
It can be hard to be vulnerable, especially if you have been hurt in the past or even from your upbringing, but a relationship doesn’t work without it. It is about learning to break down those walls and allow someone in. Having a coach supporting you through this is so important because there will be times when you put those walls back up, like when you are feeling uncomfortable, and someone in your corner to listen to your concerns and fear can make all the difference to not giving up.
3. Fear of Abandonment:
Past experiences of abandonment or loss can contribute to a deep-seated fear of being left alone. This fear may manifest as clinginess, overly dependent behaviours, or an aversion to commitment, as individuals attempt to protect themselves from potential heartbreak.
I worked with a client who had a fear of abandonment and it meant she became very clingy and needy. When her partner went out to do his own things, she felt a big sense of abandonment and didn’t know what to do with herself, almost like it was the end of the world. This led to her inserting herself in every part of his life, which then pushed him away. Again, like the previous example, fulfilling the fear of being abandoned.
When she worked on recognising and breaking that fear, it meant she could take time out for herself. She could let him go and do his hobbies without worrying and panicking. She felt better in herself. She trusted the relationship more. It allowed their whole relationship to progress with both partners happy.
4. Fear of Intimacy:
Intimacy involves not only physical closeness but also emotional transparency. The fear of intimacy can lead individuals to sabotage relationships or maintain a certain emotional distance, fearing that true intimacy might bring unwanted emotional exposure.
I’m going to use my own example for this one. My ex-boyfriend had a real fear of intimacy, he could not let me in at all. This made me feel unloved, pushed away, unaccepted, amongst other emotions. Even when I was emotionally open with him, he couldn’t take on board what I was saying because he didn’t want to open up his emotions. It also massively affected physical intimacy.
Essentially, he did sabotage the relationship by messaging inappropriate messages to other women, maybe even did other stuff I’m not aware of. In the end, the relationship broke down because of it.
No one wants to be in a relationship where they feel their emotional and physical intimacy is not being reciprocated.
5. Fear of Commitment:
Committing to a relationship means facing the unknown and the potential for change, as well as vulnerability and intimacy. The fear of commitment can manifest as hesitation to define the relationship, avoidance of long-term plans, a perpetual state of indecision, or sabotaging a relationship.
It can take time to realise there is that fear of commitment. You may find yourself saying you don’t want anything serious, even though deep down you’d love to settle down. Or you may find yourself finding faults in a relationship to cause problems and find a reason to end it (good old sabotaging). The thing is you might do all this without even realising it.
Once you realise what you truly want and that you are the reason it isn’t happening, then you can work on yourself and change that story. You can have what you want and not let that fear take over.
Guess how we do that? That’s right, we EAM on the fear and everything linked to it.
6. Fear of Failure:
The fear of failing in a relationship, whether it be due to personal shortcomings or an inability to meet expectations, can create a constant sense of anxiety. This fear may hinder individuals from fully engaging in the relationship, fearing they won’t measure up to perceived standards.
Exploring the reasons behind the fear of failure can reveal so much, it could be due to limiting beliefs, past experiences, self-esteem.
A big reason that comes up A LOT is the belief of not being good enough. This belief shows up in so many forms and contributes to so many resistances that we hold. Working on that belief can help clear many resistances and allow you to trust yourself in this relationship, trust that no matter how this goes, you’ll be ok and that it is about enjoying the moment and not fearing the future.
7. Fear of Change:
Relationships inherently involve growth and change. The fear of change can lead individuals to resist evolving dynamics, clinging to familiar patterns even if they no longer serve the relationship’s best interests.
One that has come up with several clients is either themselves or their partner being unable to let go of their past way of life. Things do change once you are in a relationship and it is about being ok with that. Wanting to keep your single life going while in a relationship can cause many issues.
In this instance, again, it is about exploring why the person can’t let the past go and what they are worried about for the future. What is that change they can’t handle? Only then can they start dealing with that fear.
8. Fear of The Unknown:
A relationship and dating brings many unknowns about the future. This fear of the unknown may manifest as anxiety about the other person’s feelings, intentions, or the trajectory of the relationship, often prompting individuals to hesitate or withdraw. Addressing this fear involves open communication, setting clear expectations, and navigating the uncertainties with a willingness to explore and understand each other.
This fear also comes up a lot when working with clients who are ready to leave a relationship. They know the relationship has run its course or that it was never right and they know it’s time to go, but that fear of the unknown stops them. They stay where they are and stay unhappy because their current situation is familiar.
It can be hard to listen to your intuition when fear is accompanying it, they often go hand in hand. Learning to trust and listen to your intuition and not letting fear take over makes a huge difference. I did a video on this topic: Is it your fear or intuition guiding you?
Whether you want to leave a relationship, are still in the dating phase, or just feel unsure in a happy relationship, learning to be ok with the unknown is the first step because none of us truly know with concrete certainty what will happen in the future. Understanding your needs and desires and learning to communicate openly about them will help in any situation.
1. Navigating the Impact:
Acknowledge and understand your fears. Self-awareness is the first step toward overcoming the obstacles fear can pose to a relationship.
2. Open Communication:
Foster open communication with your partner. Share your fears, listen to theirs, and work together to create a supportive environment that allows both individuals to feel understood and validated.
3. Gradual Exposure:
Gradually expose yourself to the source of your fear. Taking small steps towards vulnerability and commitment can help build confidence and resilience over time.
4. Seek Support:
If fears persist, seeking support from friends, family, or a coach can provide valuable insights and coping strategies. Professional guidance can be instrumental in overcoming deep-seated fears (hence why I do what I do). Check out Love Unlocked, which is my 5 week on-demand course that allows you to work on all those fears that can be holding you stuck.
Remember, that fear is a natural part of the human experience, but understanding its impact on dating and relationships empowers you to navigate these challenges with resilience and courage. By confronting and addressing fears, you can create the space for authentic connection, trust, and lasting intimacy in your relationships. Embracing vulnerability and learning to dance with fear can ultimately lead to a deeper and more fulfilling romantic journey.