'Fraid Not

Fear Of Abandonment

This fear almost always stems from some childhood disappointment, says Rutledge, particularly "in experiences when we needed someone to be there for us but they were not." While it's often associated with those growing up in a so-called dysfunctional family, those with perfectly "normal" childhoods might also feel this void.

"If you have a strong fear of abandonment, then being in a relationship with someone who is genuinely committed to the relationship is very helpful," says Rutledge. But he notes how important it is to remember that looking for someone else to quell your fears—no matter how trustworthy and dependable they are—won't solve the issue entirely. Instead of finding another person who can fill the hole this fear often creates, he says we must dig deep to see how we might actually be neglecting ourselves and our own needs.