If someone is facing intense fear of commitment or long-term relationship issues, irrational fear of marriage, rule out if you have gamophobia. Know your mental health and fight better.
In the bustling streets of Mumbai, where dreams and realities collided like waves on a shore, lived Meera Deshpande—a young woman of thirty, working, ambitious with eyes set on the past and a heart burdened by the weight of the future.
Scene 1
One fine evening, Meera is waiting for her boyfriend who is working in an MNC. Both are dating and Rahul is more anxious to stamp the relationship. Born into a traditional Maharashtrian family, Meera had witnessed the highs and lows of matrimony from a young age. Her parents’ marriage, though filled with love and laughter, had also been marred by moments of strife and discord. And as Meera watched her mother navigate the complexities of married life, she couldn’t shake the feeling of dread that crept into her heart. With each passing year, as relatives and friends tied the knot in lavish ceremonies, Meera found herself retreating further into the shadows, afraid of the inevitable question that loomed over her—when would she settle down?
But Meera wasn’t like the other girls her age, who dreamed of wedding bells and happily ever afters. She was a woman of ambition, with dreams as vast as the Arabian Sea that kissed the shores of her beloved city. Marriage felt like shackles, chaining her to a fate she hadn’t chosen for herself. But despite her best efforts to avoid the topic, marriage continued to haunt Meera’s thoughts like a persistent ghost. And then, one fateful evening, Rahul with a bouquet of red roses proposes her.
Scene 2
Sitting in a cozy corner of a bustling café in Mumbai, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingled with the soft strains of Bollywood melodies. Rahul Singh, a flamboyant Punjabi boy with a twinkle in his eye and a heart full of dreams, gazed adoringly at his girlfriend, Meera.
With quavering voice, Rahul proposes, “It’s a year we are in a relationship. Don’t you think, we should move forward?”
Meera, “Forward where?”
Rahul, “I mean, the next level of dating…marr…”
Meera, “Wait a minute. you know how much I care for you,” she began, her voice soft but resolute. “But I’ve never been one to conform to society’s expectations. Marriage, to me, feels like an outdated institution—a cage that stifles the freedom we both cherish.”
Rahul’s heart sank at her words, his mind racing to find the right response. He had always dreamed of a grand Punjabi wedding, surrounded by friends and family, but he hadn’t stopped to consider that Meera might not share his vision. That evening, after a brief conversation on her future plans, he understood their relationship is at a dead end.
Scene 3
At a Bandra Psychiatrist’s Clinic, Meera is waiting for her turn. Dr. Kapoor’s office was a sanctuary of calm amidst the chaos of Mumbai, with soft lighting and soothing music that enveloped Meera in a sense of peace as she settled into the plush armchair.
“Tell me, Meera, what brings you here today?” Dr. Kapoor’s voice was warm and inviting, encouraging Meera to open up about the thoughts and fears that had been swirling inside her mind.
Meera took a deep breath, her fingers twisting nervously in her lap as she searched for the right words. “I… I’ve been feeling overwhelmed lately,” she began, her voice barely above a whisper. “It’s like there’s this weight pressing down on me, suffocating me every day.” “It’s… it’s about marriage,” Meera confessed. “I know it sounds silly, but the thought of it terrifies me. I’ve seen the way it changes people. And I can’t bear the thought of losing myself like that.”
Dr. Kapoor listened intently; her expression empathetic as she offered Meera a reassuring smile. “It’s not silly at all, Meera. Many people have fears and anxieties surrounding marriage, especially if they’ve witnessed unhealthy relationships in their own lives.”
Meera sighed, the tension slowly beginning to ebb away as she opened up to Dr. Kapoor about her past experiences and her struggles to reconcile her fear of commitment with her desire for love and companionship.
Dr. Kapoor spoke again, her voice gentle but firm. “Meera, I believe what you’re experiencing what’s known as gamophobia—a fear of marriage. It’s a common phobia, gamophobia, but many are not aware of it or simple ignore their mental state.”
Meera’s eyes widened in surprise, a mixture of relief and apprehension flooding through her at the realization that there was a name for her fear. “Gamophobia?” she repeated, the word tasting foreign on her tongue.
Dr. Kapoor nodded, her smile encouraging. “Yes, gamophobia. But it’s important to remember that labels don’t define us, Meera. What’s important is understanding the root of your fear and finding healthy ways to cope with it.“
As the session drew to a close, Meera felt a sense of hope blossoming within her—a glimmer of light in the darkness that had consumed her for so long. With Dr. Kapoor’s guidance and support, she knew that she could face her fear head-on and emerge stronger on the other side. And as she stepped out into the bustling streets of Mumbai, she knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, she was ready to confront them with courage and determination, one step at a time.
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The causes of gamophobia are complex and can vary from person to person. Some research suggests that genetic factors and family background may play a role in the development of this phobia. Additionally, past traumatic experiences, such as witnessing a failed marriage or experiencing a painful breakup, can also contribute to the development of gamophobia.
Some causes of Gamophobia
It often stems from deep-seated anxieties about loss of personal freedom, fear of abandonment, or negative experiences with relationships or marriage in the past.
Gamophobia, like all phobias, is rooted in our subconscious mind.
A person may have:
- a fear of rejection or abandonment
- different notion about commitment and what it means
- negative beliefs about marriage and long-term relationships
- a problem with attachment stemming from childhood caregivers
- suffered an experience such as a bad breakup
- suffered infidelity in a past relationship
- fears of losing their identity
- witnessed the relationship failures of loved ones
Any of these influences can affect a person’s attitude and beliefs. The fear can be intense, excessive, and or unreasonable.
Some Phobia signs
A true phobia shows itself in bigger ways, such as:
- The thought of commitment fills you with dread.
- You have organized your life around this fear.
- You have backtracked on good relationships out of a need to “escape.”
- You feel anxious or depressed about relationships.
Just thinking about commitment can lead to physical symptoms such as:
- rapid heartbeat, heart palpitations
- sleep disorders
- anxiety
- sweating
- shortness of breath
- chest pain
- light-headedness
- nausea
- flushing
You probably realize that your fear is excessive and can stop you from getting what you want. A true phobia significantly impacts your school, work, or personal life for six months or more.
Line of treatment
One of the most effective treatments for gamophobia is cognitive-behavioral therapy, or CBT for short. CBT works by helping individuals identify and challenge the negative thought patterns and beliefs that contribute to their fear of commitment.
Medication isn’t typically the first line of treatment for gamophobia, it may be prescribed in certain cases to help manage symptoms of anxiety or depression that often accompany the phobia.
It’s important to remember that our phobias don’t define us—they’re just one aspect of who we are. And while they may present obstacles in our lives, they don’t have to dictate our happiness or limit our potential for joy. By focusing on the things that bring us happiness and fulfillment, cultivating gratitude for the blessings in our lives, and surrounding ourselves with supportive friends and loved ones, we can find moments of joy even in the midst of our fears.
Disclaimer:
This blog post is a fictional parody, satire, pure fiction, just for fun and humour, no offence is meant to anyone, so take it with a pinch of salt and have a laugh.
Story mentioned in this Blog is a piece of fiction. Events, Places, Settings and Incidents narrated in the blog is a figment of my imagination. The characters do not exist and are purely imaginary. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.
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