Is Your Fear of Infidelity Hurting Your Relationship?

Photo Credit: Shutterstock Every time your partner heads out the door, you can feel that familiar knot of anxiety tightening in your stomach. Whether or not you say it aloud, the fear lingers—what if they find someone better? Even though they’ve done nothing to break your trust, the worry doesn’t seem to fade. So, what’s fueling this constant fear of infidelity? A Sign of Low Self-Esteem Clinical psychologist Johanna Rozenblum points out two main sources of this persistent fear: one internal and one external. Internally, low self-esteem is often a culprit. “When you constantly question your worth and doubt you deserve love, it creates insecurity linked to an anxious personality,” she explains. Paradoxically, the anxiety sufferer feeds the fear of their partner leaving or cheating—“because they don’t feel like they’re enough.” This often results in conflicts. “These individuals usually have an anxious attachment style, shaped by childhood or upbringing. They need constant reassurance, driven by a fear of abandonment,” often surfacing as a fear of infidelity. The Impact of Past Trauma Externally, the fear is tied to past experiences. “Being cheated on or witnessing such betrayal creates lasting emotional scars,” says Rozenblum. “Even if your new partner is different, the original wound lingers.” Mistrust acts as defense, preparing for the worst. The Telltale Signs (Not to Ignore) Constant fear can damage a healthy relationship and wear down your partner. Not sure if your fear is excessive? Psychotherapist Malka Shaw lists signs on Verywell Mind: Feeling anxious and insecure when your partner is with others Doubting your partner’s words or long-term plans Testing their loyalty Being overwhelmed by thoughts of betrayal Never feeling safe, even with loyal gestures Constantly suspecting dishonesty Withdrawing emotionally out of fear Feeling like someone better will always come What to Do When Fear Takes Over Rozenblum notes that unchecked distrust can overshadow or even destroy a well-functioning relationship. “If the fear is persistent and irrational despite your partner’s honesty, it’s time to act.” Seeking help from a psychologist can be crucial for saving the relationship. “Work on self-confidence tied to an insecure attachment style or heal from past experiences causing this fear.” Most importantly, this opens up the possibility to envision a future together. **Mais pourquoi est-ce que je crains constamment que mon (ou ma) partenaire me trompe ?** This article first appeared on doctissimo.fr – Author: Magali Régnier Watch Out for These 10 Phrases: Classic Signs of Fake Kindness The “Fighter” Personality: Rooted in Childhood Lack of Reward Are You Experiencing Empty Life Syndrome Without Realizing It? What Your Music Taste Says About Your Musical Intelligence Emotional Wounds: How Childhood Impacts Adulthood How Missing “I Love You” in Childhood Shapes Anxious Attachment

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