Leading Online Relationship Service Applies Scientific Research to the Healthy Fear of Commitment in Dating Relationships

The online dating agency ‘True.com’ has scientifically observed the many reasons singles and ‘casual’ couples fear commitment. It looks at some of these reasons, and concludes that fear of commitment can be a healthy warning sign to couples that need to slow down in order to assess their expectations.

Recent stories of runaway brides such as Jennifer Wilbanks of Georgia, eternal bachelors like George Clooney, pseudo bachelorettes like Angelina Jolie, and on again/off again-ers like Pamela Anderson and Tommy Lee, reinforce common beliefs that fear of commitment is widespread, fatal to relationships, and may be most prevalent in men.

As a relationship develops, one or both participants may want to escalate the relationship to the next level, such as moving in together, introducing the significant other to family and friends, agreeing to date exclusively, saying “I love you,” or even walking down the aisle. Often one of the barriers preventing relationships from progressing is fear. True.com’s scientific research shows that fear — the threat of becoming emotionally invested in a relationship or becoming vulnerable — can be a healthy sign.

“Relationship fears signify potential threats to our emotional health. This is why people often deal with fear of commitment with the classic ‘fight or flight’ response,” says Dr. Jim Houran, chief psychologist for True.com. “Growth in a relationship often leads to healthy apprehension, and these pauses help us pace our relationships. But unfortunately, many people become so threatened that they engage in constant fighting in an attempt to push the other person away or they leave the relationship to avoid confronting the real issues at hand.”

True.com’s research reveals that the typical themes that flood someone with fear of commitment follow a chain.

Read the full article (Yahoo)