There are couples who remain together out of fear. They fear being alone, they fear what it might mean to lose their loved one. They fear having to survive financially without a partner or they fear leaving because their partner has threatened them in some way.

Fear is simply a sense of dread about the unknown, fueled by the imagination giving you all sorts of worst-case-scenario images about what might go wrong.

If you’re in your relationship because you’re afraid to be alone, then this should be a signal to you that your relationship isn’t right for you, but you aren’t ready to move on as an independent adult.

However, if your fear is based on a more serious psychological issue, such as physical or emotional abuse, then things are a little different.

There are people who remain in relationships because they fear what their partner would do to them if they left. Their partner may have threatened to commit suicide if they leave, or they may have threatened to hunt them down and hurt them if they leave.

Each of these kinds of threats falls under the Emotional Blackmail category and is damaging the trust, respect and future of the relationship.

Mending the Rift

Understand the reasons why you’re afraid of your partner or fearful of leaving and then look closely at the reasons why you’re staying.

If you truly love that person and you know the relationship is perfect for you, then you will need to sort through your fear and anxiety to uncover the root of the problem.

However, if your partner is abusive or threatening or has anger management issues, ask yourself seriously what kind of person shows love this way. Is this the type of love you want to receive? If you fear someone so much that you’re afraid to leave, then you should question whether love is really a part of your relationship at all.

A strong, healthy relationship involves love, trust and respect for and from each of you. These feelings can only survive when there is no fear of your partner or of what your partner might do.

Communication and honesty about your feelings can be a good step towards mending some of the fear-issues, but only you can know if the relationship is worth saving in these circumstances.