Whether through the intervention of a friend responsible for making the introductions, through dating applications or thanks to a chance and chance encounter, whatever it may be, many people find themselves in the search for love. However, just the opposite happens to many others: they flee in the opposite direction. In fact, the idea of ??being able to feel something similar terrifies them, these are people who suffer from philophobia. This consists of the fear of falling in love, an irrational fear of the simple idea or possibility of connecting emotionally with another person and showing their feelings.
Those who present the characteristics of philophobia suffer from anxiety and stress when faced with the possibility of entering into a romantic relationship with someone. This prevents them from becoming emotionally attached and has a considerable impact on their daily lives. Psychologist Andrea Foruria Domínguez explains that, among the risks of philophobia, are avoidance and even self-isolation.
The fact that a person suffers from philophobia can respond to a whole series of causes, according to specialist Andrea Foruria. One of the most common has to do with having had bad experiences in the past, for example, manipulative partners, or having suffered a particularly painful breakup. Philophobia acts as a defense mechanism to anticipate situations that could cause suffering and discomfort, as Andrea Foruria clarifies.
However, the fear of falling in love also hides emotional traumas in some cases. Generally related to the abandonment of reference figures, such as parents or family members. Or due to the fear of opening up emotionally to someone else, which would lead to exposing one’s own vulnerabilities and intimacies. Information that some people are afraid to share with others.
Other causes of philophobia that the psychologist points to are low self-esteem, or strong insecurities, fear of failure or even the fear of being rejected. Usually as a consequence of bad past experiences.
Andrea Foruria Domínguez assures that the first step will always be to discover what each case of philophobia is due to, that is, where the origin of this fear of falling in love is. Therefore, one of the ways to manage this situation will be through personalized psychological therapy, which allows us to face these fears and offer effective tools so that they disappear.
Another key is not to repress feelings. This is essential, since only in this way will you be able to understand what you feel at all times and find out how to deal with those emotions. For example, talking to other trusted people or expressing yourself through writing.
