If you were to ask the person next to you if they had a phobia, they would most likely say anything from thalassophobia to arachnophobia, which are common fears. However, there is a fear that some individuals harbor that can be so debilitating that it prevents them from even falling in love. Philophobia, or rather the fear of falling in love, can negatively affect one’s ability to have meaningful relationships, according to The Cleveland Clinic. Potential causes of this phobia include previous traumatic relationships, both romantic or familial, the fear of rejection or abandonment, or even cultural or religious pressures. During this month of love, one can not help but ask, what would life look like in the absence of love because of fear? When one has philophobia, one’s life is affected by various symptoms such as extreme anxiety or constant worry if they have a romantic partner, fear of their partner and their emotions, and feeling the need to push away their partner or end a relationship abruptly. Among both those who have partners and single individuals, physical symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, vomiting, extreme feeling of dread, profuse sweating, and shortness of breath, among others, occur with the feeling of love. Specific previously mentioned symptoms, as well as others that prevent an individual from having a meaningful or intimate relationship, help healthcare providers diagnose individuals with the phobia, which in turn can help patients be treated. Therapy, including cognitive behavioral therapy or psychotherapy, are a few examples of treatments prescribed to those with the condition to overcome their symptoms. Although some people yearn for a deeper, romantic connection with other individuals, some experience genuine fear at the idea. In addition, being in a relationship is more normal than not for most age ranges. Hence, individuals with philophobia are not only subject to the symptoms of the phobia but the pressures of society to conform to societal norms. During this month of love, let’s not only focus on the love between romantic partners, as some can not easily experience it, but the comforting love that one can have for themselves. Take this month as one for self-care and affirm your relationship with yourself.