Do You Have a Fear of Intimacy Test

According to Psych Central, below are some common signs of a fear of intimacy:

• Avoiding or sabotaging relationships that get too close emotionally or physically
• Being afraid of abandonment or rejection by your partner
• Being too independent or self-reliant and not asking for help or support
• Being flaky or inconsistent in your communication or commitment to your partner
• Being a perfectionist or having unrealistic expectations of yourself or your partner
• Being a workaholic or having other addictive behaviors that distract you from intimacy
• Having low self-esteem or feeling unworthy of love and intimacy
• Having trouble expressing or discussing your emotions or feelings with your partner
• Having difficulty trusting or being vulnerable with your partner

According to Healthline, below are a few common causes of a fear of intimacy:

• Previous abuse or neglect in childhood or adulthood that made you associate intimacy with pain, betrayal, or abandonment
• Parental separation or overdependence that made you insecure or anxious about attachment and loss
• Fear of being controlled or losing oneself in a relationship that made you value your independence and autonomy more than intimacy
• Medical problems that affect your sexual function or confidence and make you avoid physical intimacy
• Religious beliefs that make you feel guilty or ashamed of sexual intimacy

According to Psych Central, below are a few ways to overcome a fear of intimacy:

• Identify the root cause of your fear and how it affects your relationships
• Challenge your negative self-talk and beliefs about intimacy and replace them with positive affirmations
• Practice expressing your feelings and needs to your partner and listen to theirs without judgment or defensiveness
• Figure out your comfort levels and boundaries in intimacy and communicate them clearly to your partner
• Do some inner child work to heal the wounds from your past and reconnect with your authentic self
• Seek professional help if you feel overwhelmed or stuck in your fear of intimacy.

A therapist can help you explore your issues, provide support, and teach you coping skills.