What Causes People To Have Commitment Issues? A Couples’ Therapist Explains

Commitment issues are not always a deal-breaker. However, if your partner isn’t unwilling to acknowledge the truth and work on overcoming the challenge, it’ll be hard for the relationship to last long term.

If you are dealing with someone with commitment issues, the first thing to do is determine if this relationship is for you. No matter how much you love and care about someone, a relationship should be serving your needs and progressing (if that’s what you want). Ignoring red flags or deal-breakers is a sure way to end up in an unhappy relationship.

Ask your partner why they have commitment issues in the first place, and seek to understand their anxieties around commitment. Don’t focus on forever but on the here and now. In other words, if you are not in the phase of getting married or having kids, then focus on your current situation and the present moment. Watch for improvements. Remember: Slow progress is still progress. If you see they are trying, acknowledge their efforts.

If there isn’t any progress and you do not appear to be on the same page about the relationship’s future, then this may be a relationship you need to end before one or more parties get deeply hurt.