Love is the best feeling on earth. It fuels, enriches and unites us. Everybody dreams and fights to find their person and live “happily ever after.” However, when things turn sour, and couples have no other option but to break up or divorce in West Virginia, the feeling of sadness and grief that follows can be too much to bear to the point where there is a fear of loving again.
Understanding philophobia
The word “philophobia” comes from two Greek words: “philo” (love) and “phobia” (fear). It occurs when a person is so intensely afraid of love that it causes them to avoid any potential relationships.
Causes of philophobia
Most times, philophobia results from past traumatic experiences like a painful breakup, a bad divorce or even from observing others going through difficulties and disasters related to love. Other causes could be the fear of commitment, abandonment issues, low self-esteem and insecurity, lack of trust and intimacy problems derived from childhood.
Recognizing signs and symptoms
It’s hard to recognize philophobia right away. But certain behaviors can point to it, such as:
• Avoiding potential partners even before they show any kind of interest
• Extreme anxiety or fear when talking or thinking about love and relationships
• Lack of trust and intimacy issues that prevent from having close relationships with people in general
• Becoming overly pessimistic and having negative thoughts about potentially entering a romantic relationship
Suing your ex for philophobia
Philophobia is not a recognized medical condition and, therefore, does not qualify for legal reimbursement in West Virginia. However, if you have suffered any form of emotional distress as a result of your past relationships, it may be possible to seek damages through separate civil action or small claims court if applicable.
It’s important to remember that fear isn’t always bad; it is our body’s natural way of protecting us from harm and warning us about potential danger. If we don’t take appropriate measures, though, this fear can prevent us from taking risks and having meaningful experiences like love and relationships.
