That nagging feeling that something’s not quite right? The constant worry that your partner might leave? That’s relationship insecurity. It’s not a character flaw, but a state of mind.
Thinking you’re the only one who’s ever felt insecure in a relationship? You’re definitely not. It’s a common struggle.
Clinical psychologist Carla Marie Manly describes insecurity as feeling “unstable—as if the relationship is built on shaky ground or, even worse, quicksand.”
When you’re feeling insecure in a relationship, fears of not being good enough and of being abandoned can start to creep in. This can affect both you and your partner, leading to arguments, mistrust, and a general sense of unease. If you don’t deal with it, insecurity can really wear a relationship down.
So, what makes you feel this way? What does it look like? And, more importantly, what can you do about it? We’ll explore the signs and causes of feeling insecure in a relationship, how it affects you and your partner, and what steps you can take to build a stronger, more secure connection.