Philophobia is a fear of falling in love. It can also be a fear of getting into a relationship or
fear that you will not be able to maintain a relationship. Many people experience a minor fear
of falling in love at some point in their lives. But in extreme cases, philophobia can make
people feel isolated and unloved.
Philophobia is not a condition that a doctor can diagnose because it is not in the Diagnostic
and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). That is the guide that mental health
professionals use to determine if someone has the criteria for a specific mental illness or
mental health disorder. Even so, mental health professionals can often help with philophobia
if it is affecting your life negatively.
Causes of Philophobia
The fear of falling in love has many potential causes, including:
Past experiences. Traumatic past relationships may contribute to the development of the
fear of falling in love. Infidelity, betrayal, or heartbreak can cause you to stay away from
romantic relationships. Other types of relationships can also give someone this fear, like
parental relationships and close friendships.
Cultural experiences. In some cultures, there’s more pressure to marry at a young age
under specific circumstances. If someone does not want to have this traditional experience,
it can lead to philophobia.
Fear of rejection. Putting yourself out there can be scary. Studies show that rejection can
have similar results in the body to physical pain. Most people are able to get over rejection,
but if you have experienced several painful rejections, the fear of another one can stay with
you.