What it means when someone says they have commitment issues

And 5 qualities to look for in a partner No Images? Click here     Picture this: You’ve just started seeing someone — or maybe you’ve been dating for a bit — and everything is going swimmingly. Then, perhaps when you try to define the relationship in some way, they tell you they have “commitment issues.” It’s a term that gets tossed around quite a bit, but what does it actually mean? According to relationship experts, if someone brings up their “commitment issues,” they’re probably uncomfortable with intimacy and how fast things are moving in the relationship. “They like you, or may even love you, but they are concerned that they will not be able to meet your needs and expectations for commitment,” psychologist Samantha Rodman told HuffPost. Psychologist Ryan Howes added: “It could mean they have fears of being stuck or feeling suffocated in a relationship, or that they struggle with ambivalence and doubt major decisions, including their relationships.” Should you stick it out with a commitment-phobe? Read on for the answer to that question and more insight into the commitment-averse. Xo, Ashley Rockman   In case you missed it It’s hard to know what to do after a first date. Do you text the person right away? Wait for them to text you? And, worst case scenario, what if you text and they never respond?! Illustrator Bianca Xunise captured that anxiety perfectly in comic form. Check out the full illustration here.   #TBT Some people like the mystery of not knowing when a potential partner is going to get back to them. They chalk up this person’s flightiness to simply “playing the game,” perhaps finding some joy in the “chase.” But according to psychiatrist and neuroscientist Amir Levine, a person’s flakiness at the beginning of a relationship is a good indication of what kind of partner they’ll be down the road. He defined five overlapping qualities to look for that create a strong foundation for a happy, secure relationship. Find out what those are here.   Links we love: 7 Relationship Problems That Always Surface Around The Holidays Women Sleep Better With Dogs Than With Human Partners, Study Says How To Deal When You're Ready For Kids And Your Partner Is Not    .     HuffPost is now a part of Oath and a part of Verizon. On May 25, 2018 we introduced a new Oath Privacy Policy which will explain how your data is used and shared. Learn More. No moon dust. No B.S. Just a completely essential daily guide to achieving the good life. Subscribe here. Like what you see? Share it. Can't get enough? You'll also love HuffPost's Entertainment newsletter. ©2018 HuffPost | 770 Broadway, New York, NY 10003 You are receiving this email because you signed up for updates from HuffPost Feedback | Privacy Policy | Unsubscribe      . - - Preferences  |  Unsubscribe