Feeling stressed or anxious about being in a serious relationship is not uncommon, and there could be various reasons why you might experience this pattern of behavior. It's important to remember that I am not a mental health professional, but I can offer some potential explanations that may help you gain insight into your feelings:
Fear of Intimacy: Some people have a fear of intimacy, which can lead them to feel anxious or overwhelmed when a relationship becomes serious. This fear might be rooted in past experiences, attachment styles, or a fear of vulnerability and emotional closeness.
Past Trauma or Negative Experiences: Previous negative experiences in relationships, such as heartbreak, betrayal, or emotional abuse, can leave emotional scars that make it challenging to trust and open up to someone new.
Commitment Issues: Some individuals struggle with committing to a long-term relationship due to fears of being tied down or losing personal freedom.
Insecurity or Low Self-Esteem: Low self-esteem and insecurity can make it difficult to believe that someone would genuinely want to be in a committed relationship with you, leading to stress and avoidance of deeper connections.
Unrealistic Expectations: Unrealistic expectations of what a relationship should be like can cause dissatisfaction and stress when reality doesn't meet these expectations.
Communication Difficulties: Inability to effectively communicate needs, feelings, and concerns in a relationship can lead to misunderstandings and increased stress.
Fear of Rejection or Abandonment: A fear of being rejected or abandoned by a partner may cause you to distance yourself emotionally to protect yourself from potential pain.
Self-Sabotage: Subconsciously, you might be self-sabotaging relationships as a way to protect yourself from potential emotional pain or failure.
To better understand your feelings and develop strategies for coping with your stress, it may be helpful to talk to a mental health professional. They can provide personalized insights and guidance to address the root causes of your anxieties and help you build healthier relationships. Therapy can also offer tools to improve communication skills, manage emotions, and build self-confidence.
Remember, it's entirely valid to take time to explore your feelings and work on personal growth before committing to a serious relationship. Taking care of your mental and emotional well-being should always be a priority.