8 Major Symptoms of Relationship Anxiety To Look Out For

People who tend to experience anxiety may face challenges in relationships. Anxiety can create tension and mistrust, even in the most promising relationships. If you have suffered past hurts or struggle with trust, you may find that anxiety influences your current relationship.

One of life's toughest lessons is realizing that no matter how much effort you put into controlling things or people, it's ultimately beyond your grasp. Holding onto someone too tightly can suffocate them, causing them to feel overwhelmed.

Anxiety is an unpleasant emotion. It can create tension and hinder your ability to fully appreciate the life you share with your partner.

We are familiar with the sensation of having butterflies in our stomach before a first date or the anticipation of meeting our partner's parents. We contemplate what to wear, ensuring we apply enough deodorant and perhaps even include sophisticated political references.

However, anxiety goes beyond mere nervousness. Recognizing the signs of relationship anxiety can assist you in discerning when it's necessary to pause, communicate, or take a step back.

While you may be acquainted with the feeling of relationship anxiety, what are some other daily symptoms to watch out for?

# You are always waiting for the other shoe to drop

A fulfilling relationship should bring you joy in every moment. While disagreements and tough days are inevitable, overall, you should feel content with your relationship.

However, if you notice that you're constantly anticipating something negative to occur, such as infidelity, being ignored, or simply having disagreements, it could be a sign of relationship anxiety. Often, this anxiety stems from past relationship experiences rather than issues with your current partner.

Engaging in open conversations with your partner about these anxieties and recognizing that true happiness can only be found by embracing the present moment might be beneficial in overcoming this challenge.

# You always think about the past

Dwelling on the past is a guaranteed method to sabotage your future. Holding onto past experiences can impede the progress of your relationship. Whether it's your own past, your partner's past, or something that occurred between you both, fixating on it indicates relationship anxiety.

Worrying about things that are beyond your control only exacerbates anxiety. It's beneficial to allow the past to remain in the past. Learn from it, gain insights, but ultimately release it, freeing yourself from its grasp.

# You’re always worried about the future

Just as dwelling on the past can negatively affect your relationship, excessively fixating on the future is also indicative of relationship anxiety. Being preoccupied with what lies ahead prevents you from fully experiencing the present.

If you constantly find yourself pondering about where you'll be in a year, how your anniversary will unfold, or how you'll handle potential future scenarios, it suggests that your symptoms of relationship anxiety are interfering. Attempting to decipher situations that have yet to occur only leads to unnecessary worry without offering any practical solutions.

# You’re afraid to talk to your partner

One prevalent symptom of relationship anxiety is the reluctance to communicate openly. The fear of sharing something with your partner can erect a barrier between you both.

Withholding your genuine emotions, harboring guilt, or even keeping small matters to yourself inhibits the growth of your relationship. Opening up and engaging in honest communication is the most effective approach to overcome these fears and allow for greater emotional connection.

# You think the relationship reflects on you

The success or failure of a relationship does not define your worth as an individual. Placing excessive pressure on your relationship is a reflection of your personal anxiety about personal failure.

The end of a relationship does not equate to personal failure. Allowing such immense stress to permeate your relationship can have detrimental effects. Recognizing that you are an independent individual separate from the relationship is a positive step towards alleviating some of the anxiety you may experience.

# You can’t make up your mind

Anxiety has the tendency to foster indecisiveness. You may desire commitment, yet your anxiety hinders you. Alternatively, you may crave some personal space, but struggle to determine the appropriate time or manner in which to communicate it.

When you find yourself unable to commit to making plans with your partner due to your indecisiveness, it could be a sign of relationship anxiety. In such cases, it can be helpful to take a step back and focus solely on how your partner makes you feel, setting aside other distracting thoughts.

# You want to spend extra time alone

Taking time for oneself is a healthy need we all have. However, if you frequently find yourself canceling plans with your significant other in order to be alone or spend time with others, it is a sign of uncertainty within your relationship.

Avoiding spending time with your partner indicates that there might be underlying issues. It may be worth considering whether it's time to address these concerns and potentially end the relationship rather than prolonging the situation and experiencing guilt for pushing them away.

# You reach out to an ex

Putting your current relationship at risk by reaching out to an ex to check on them can provide insight into your current state of mind.

Even if your intentions are not to meet up or engage in infidelity, feeling the temptation to reach out signifies a level of uneasiness about your current relationship.

This pattern commonly emerges when a relationship becomes increasingly serious or excessively comfortable, and it can be seen as a form of self-sabotage.