• Start with open communication and honesty about both of your expectations: Communication is key in any relationship, especially when one partner has a fear of commitment. It’s important to be upfront about what you want out of the relationship so that there are no misunderstandings down the line. And if she’s not ready for something serious yet, it’s better to know sooner rather than later.
• Take things slow and let her set the pace for the relationship: Rome wasn’t built in a day, and neither is a healthy long-term partnership. Give her space to breathe and take things at her own speed; rushing into anything might scare her off altogether.
• Be patient and understanding when she needs space or time to process her feelings: Sometimes people need some alone time to reflect on their emotions before they’re ready to share them with others. Don’t take it personally if she needs some space; just make sure that you’re still showing up as supportive and caring without being overbearing.
• Avoid pressuring her into making any big commitments before she’s ready: This should go without saying, but don’t try to force someone into doing something they’re not comfortable with! If you do this, then congratulations – you’ve officially become part of the problem instead of part of the solution.
• Show consistency in your actions so that she can trust you over time: Consistency breeds familiarity which leads to comfortability which leads… well, hopefully somewhere good! When dating someone who struggles with commitment issues, showing up consistently (even through small gestures) can help build trust over time.
• Make sure to prioritize building a strong emotional connection before anything physical: Getting intimate too soon might lead one party (or both!) feeling like they got more invested emotionally than was warranted by reality. So hold off on those grand romantic gestures until after y’all have had plenty o’ heart-to-hearts!
• Encourage her to seek therapy or professional help if necessary, but don’t force it on her: If she’s struggling with commitment issues that are affecting her day-to-day life, then therapy might be a good option. However, this is ultimately up to her! Don’t try to push someone into doing something they’re not ready for.
• Respect her boundaries and be willing to compromise on certain issues: It’s important to listen when your partner expresses what they’re comfortable or uncomfortable with. That being said, relationships are all about give-and-take – so if there’s an issue you feel strongly about (and vice versa), make sure y’all talk it out!
• Don’t take it personally if she pulls away at times; remember that this is part of who she is right now: Everyone has their own way of dealing with stressors in their lives – some people want more attention while others need space. Try not to internalize any pulling-away as a personal slight against you.
• Be open to discussing your own feelings about commitment and be willing to compromise on certain issues: Relationships aren’t just one-sided affairs where one person does all the compromising! Make sure that both parties have equal say in how things progress.
• Don’t make assumptions or jump to conclusions about her fears of commitment; instead, ask questions and listen without judgment: We’ve all heard the phrase “when you assume…,” right? So avoid making unfounded assumptions based solely on stereotypes or past experiences. Instead, communicate openly and honestly!
• Show empathy and understanding when she shares her concerns with you: When someone opens up emotionally like that… well gosh darnit doesn’t that deserve some compassion?! Listen actively rather than passively waiting for your turn speak.
• Avoid playing games or using manipulation tactics in the relationship: Manipulation ain’t cute folks! Keep things honest & straightforward instead o’ trying pullin’ sneaky tricks over here…
• Focus on building a strong foundation of trust and respect between you both: Relationships don’t just magically happen – they take work! So make sure that y’all are putting in the effort to build a strong foundation.
• Make sure that you’re both on the same page regarding exclusivity and monogamy before moving forward: Ain’t nobody got time for misunderstandings about what kind o’ relationship this is gonna be. Talk it out!
• Create a safe space for vulnerability by sharing your own insecurities and fears with each other: Vulnerability can feel scary, but it’s also how we grow closer to one another. Be brave & share honestly from your heart (but maybe not every last detail right away… let’s keep some mystery alive!)
• Encourage her to pursue hobbies or interests outside of the relationship so that she doesn’t feel suffocated by it: While being part of a couple can be great, everyone needs their alone time too! Encouraging her independence could actually help strengthen y’all’s bond over time.
• Remember that everyone has their own pace when it comes to relationships, so don’t compare yourself to others or rush things unnecessarily: You do you boo! Don’t worry ‘bout keeping up with anyone else – focus on building somethin’ real at your own speed.
P.S. You should check out these commitment phobia books at Amazon. (affiliate link)