Every romantic relationship is different. Some couples may be madly in love with each other. Some people may be in a relationship, but not happy about it. But instead of breaking things off and moving ahead in life, they decide to continue their relationship. Has love got anything to do with it or is it because they have a fear of being single? You might keep telling yourself that you are trying to make your relationship work because of love. But the truth might be connected to anuptaphobia. Read on to find out if you are afraid of being single.

The fear of being single is also known as anuptaphobia, but it is not an officially recognised diagnosis.

Why do people have a fear of being single

Some people might not like being single due to various causes, including:

• Social pressure and societal expectations to be in a relationship.
• Fear of loneliness and not having emotional support.
• Low self-esteem and a belief that one needs a partner for validation.
• Past traumatic experiences in relationships.
• Attachment issues or codependency.

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Signs you have a fear of being single

Got doubts if you have anuptaphobia? These signs can suggest if you have a fear of being single.

1. Constantly seeking a new partner

You jump from one relationship to another without giving yourself time to be alone and reflect, says psychiatrist Dr Rahul Rai Kakkar.

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2. Staying in unhealthy relationships

You may tolerate a toxic relationship out of fear of being single. So, even if your partner doesn’t treat you well or doesn’t care about your happiness, you continue to stick around.

3. Anxiety about being single

Even though you make efforts to save a relationship, sometimes things don’t work out and you end up being alone. If you have a persistent fear and discomfort when you are not in a relationship, you might be having a fear of being single.

4. Low self-worth tied to relationships

You don’t always need a person telling you that they love and care. Relying on a partner to feel valued or loved is just a sign of anuptaphobia.

5. Neglecting personal growth

You may prioritise relationships over personal development or goals. Neglecting your personal growth for a lover is not healthy.

6. Overly jealous or possessive

Being possessive about your lover, but not too much, is quite common. However, fear of losing a partner can lead to jealousy and control issues if you don’t like to be single.

7. Emotional dependence

Financial dependence is one thing, but if you rely heavily on your partner for emotional support, you are probably afraid of staying single.

8. Neglecting friendships

Friendship is important in our lives. In fact, a 2017 study published in the journal Personal Relationships suggested that the health and happiness of older adults was tied to friendship. But if you don’t like being single, you may isolate yourself from your friends and family when in a relationship.

Can anuptaphobia affect mental health?

This fear can have significant effects on your mental health, says Dr Kakkar.

• Anxiety and depression when not in a relationship.
• Low self-esteem and a sense of inadequacy without a partner.
• Difficulty coping with break-ups or relationship problems.
• Decreased independence and self-sufficiency.

To overcome the fear of being single, you can:

• Focus on self-discovery and personal growth outside of relationships.
• Have a strong support network of your family members and friends.
• Challenge societal expectations and pressures regarding relationships.
• Develop healthy coping strategies for managing loneliness and anxiety.
• Learn to enjoy and appreciate being single, embracing independence and self-love.

You can also go for therapy or counseling to address underlying issues and boost self-esteem.