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Relationship OCD

Relationship obsessive-compulsive disorder (R-OCD) is an OCD subtype that is characterized by ongoing intrusive thoughts and compulsive behavior around uncertainty of a relationship. People with R-OCD experience frequent doubting thoughts about one or more relationships (e.g., “Am I truly in love with my partner?”) in spite of little evidence supporting the need for these doubts. The doubting thoughts are often viewed as an indication that the relationship may be disingenuous or “flawed” in some way, which fuels anxiety about the relationship and drives sufferers to engage in various compulsions aimed at gaining certainty about their relationship status (e.g., asking for continual reassurance from a friend).

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Common OCD Fears

Why You’re Questioning Your Attraction To Your Partner: Is ROCD to blame?

Occasional worry or doubt or insecurity in any relationship is normal—but sometimes, questioning your attraction can end up overtaking your life.

Am I actually in love or am I obsessed? Advice from a therapist

If you're worried about your own feelings for someone else, it's important to draw the line between obsession and love.

Why am I not turned on by my partner? Advice from a therapist

It’s normal for libido to wax and wane. But sometimes, a mental health condition like OCD won’t let you accept that.

Does my partner love me? Advice from a therapist

If you're constantly feeling worried whether or not your partner loves you, you're not alone—and you don't always have to feel this way.

How do I know my dog loves me? Advice from a therapist

In my years as a therapist, I've helped many people who werewracked with doubts about whether their dog loves them. Here's how I've helped.

Why am I so scared of my partner leaving me?

If you're constantly, worrying about your partner leaving it may be a sign that you have a subtype of OCD known as Relationship OCD.

How can I overcome first-date anxiety? A therapist’s take

Let's untangle some of the reasons that you might be feeling first-date anxiety—as well as the kinds of steps you can take to overcome it.

Could my fear of commitment be a sign of Relationship OCD?

You may want to commit, but when it comes time to actually do it, your alarm bells sound. Learn what's going on, and what you can do.

I hate being touched by people. Could it be OCD?

If you feel like your aversion to being touched is intense, it’s natural to wonder what the underlying cause might be—especially if it's interfering with your life.

Overthinking Tinder Conversations: Could it Be a Mental Health Problem?

It’s normal to overthink things sometimes. But if it’s getting in the way of your life and ability to make connections with people, it could be a component of OCD.

How to stop obsessing over texts—advice from an OCD therapist

Relationships are difficult, but sometimes worrying over texts exceeds general anxiety about a relationship. Let’s explain something called Relationship OCD.

Fear of being fired: Is it OCD?

Gain valuable insights into the potential relationship between fear of being fired and OCD, empowering yourself to navigate work-related anxiety.

Fear of someone reading your mind

Is thinking people can read your thoughts OCD? Discover the symptoms, triggers, and effective treatments to help overcome fear of mind reading in OCD.

Why am I scared to be happy in a relationship?

If you find yourself consistently scared to be happy in a relationship, it may be a sign that you have relationship-themed OCD, or ROCD.

I have a fear of cheating – Is it OCD, Anxiety or Phobia?

Fear of cheating involves serious concern about cheating or being cheated on by a romantic partner either in the past, present, or future.

Fears about being a rapist

OCD focused on the fear of rape involves repeated intrusive, obsessive thoughts involving rape that cause intense anxiety or distress.

Fear of falling out of love

ROCD, a subcategory of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, can involve fears of falling out of love with one’s partner or potential partner.

Paternity fears

Paternity fears in OCD involve unwanted intrusive, irrational thoughts which create doubt about the identity of the father of one’s child, from the perspective of any parent.

Fears about Divorce in Relationship OCD

Fear of divorce, a subtype of Relationship OCD (ROCD) may include specific fears or worries about divorce.

Fear of Abandonment—Is it OCD or Anxiety?

Fear of abandonment involves a chronic, persistent fear that someone will leave them, This fear can present on its own or as OCD.