Fear of intimacy is the inability of a person to share their true selves to others. Fear of intimacy does not only happen in romantic relationships but also to other kinds of relationships as well. This fear can be developed by ugly past experiences that involved abuse or neglect. It also goes hand in hand with fear of rejection and fear of abandonment.
Fear of intimacy hinders a person to establish a proper relationship with other people thus, making them more prone to develop other mental or emotional disturbances. This article will show you some of the ways to overcome fear of intimacy.
#1: Open up a little.
You cannot overcome fear of intimacy overnight. But, you cannot also overcome it if you don’t try to open up at all. Pick someone that you consider a close friend or family member and talk about the things you are feeling. You can start talking about casual things and gradually turn on the things that you are most concerned about. You may have second thoughts about opening up but it will really help you on the long run.
#2: Express what you feel and think.
Communicating your feelings with others can help you be more comfortable in opening up. The next time you feel angry tell the other person why you felt that way. This way, you are not only acknowledging your feelings but also opening up to other people. Understanding the importance of communication will help you overcome your fear of intimacy.
#3: Face your fears.
Acknowledging your fear is the first step to healing. Knowing that you are afraid of something helps you take courage to face and overcome it. Everybody has felt betrayed some time in their lives but it did not prevent them to trust again. Take your past experience and learn something from it and apply those to your present and future relationships.
#4: Get professional help.
Self help can only get you so far. Psychiatrists can provide you professional help and can better monitor your condition. Also, getting professional help is your best bet especially if you are not yet comfortable opening up to your friends and family.
#5: Take time to think.
Going away on a vacation or just a weekend of meditation can help you get your life in perspective. Think of the things that makes you special and unique. Think of your dreams and of your future. Think of the people who were there for you through thick or thin. This simple contemplation can strengthen your will to get better.
#6: Keep a journal.
Expressing your feelings on paper can gradually help you communicating your feelings to people. You can also keep your development on track by maintaining a journal.
#7: Believe in your significant other.
If you are in a romantic relationship, it might be best to inform your spouse or boyfriend of what you are going through. Love is a great bond so don’t be afraid to entrust yourself to them.
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