Fear-Based Questions vs. Self-Security Thoughts: Navigating Relationship Anxiety

Fear-Based Questions to Your Partner

  1. “Do you even think about me when we’re not together?”

  2. “Why do you always ignore me?”

  3. “I asked you not to go out with your friends because I get lonely. Why can’t you meet my needs?”

These types of fear-based questions often arise from moments of insecurity or emotional distress. While the underlying emotions are valid, the way they are expressed can sometimes create distance in a relationship rather than fostering connection.

Self-Security Building Thoughts

  1. Reflect on the Question’s Root Cause
    Do I really doubt that my partner thinks about me when we’re not together, or is there another explanation? If they truly don’t think about me, is anxious protesting really the way to go about addressing this?

  2. Pause and Examine the Emotional Reaction
    Lately, I’m not feeling seen, and my body is having a reaction to that. I have an urge to start accusing my partner, but what’s really going on here? Is there some self-work I need to do around this fear? If this is about my partner, how can I share my experience and needs from a place of confidence and maturity?

  3. Question Your Expectations
    Are my expectations of my partner healthy, or are my fears getting the best of me?

Shifting your inner dialogue to focus on self-security and emotional regulation can create a more supportive environment for both you and your partner.


Fear-based questions often stem from inner insecurity—focusing on self-security can transform the way you communicate with your partner.
— Julie Menanno
 

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Julie Menanno MA, LMFT, LCPC

Julie Menanno, MA is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, and Relationship Coach. She earned her Master’s degree in Psychology from Phillips Graduate Institute in Los Angeles, CA. Julie operates a clinical therapy practice in Bozeman, Montana, and leads a global relationship coaching practice with a team of trained coaches. She is an expert in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for Couples and specializes in attachment issues within relationships.

Julie is the author of the best-selling book Secure Love, published by Simon and Schuster in January 2024. She provides relationship insights to nearly 1 million Instagram followers and hosts The Secure Love Podcast, where she shares real-time couples coaching sessions to help listeners navigate relational challenges. Julie also hosts a bi-weekly discussion group on relationship and self-help topics. A sought-after public speaker and podcast guest, Julie is dedicated to helping individuals and couples foster secure, fulfilling relationships.

Julie lives in Bozeman, Montana, with her husband of 22 years, their six children, and their beloved dog. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, skiing, Pilates, reading psychology books, and studying Italian.

https://www.thesecurerelationship.com/
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