Navigating Early Relationships

Experiencing fear around romantic feelings often begins in middle and high school, where friendships transition into something more complicated. Many individuals may find themselves unsure of how to handle emerging crushes or interests, leading to a tendency to internalize feelings rather than communicate them openly. This fear can stem from concerns about offending someone or the dread of losing a friendship, resulting in a deep-seated frustration over unexpressed emotions. Ultimately, this inability to communicate genuine feelings can leave one feeling disconnected and stagnant, trapped in the 'friend zone' due to a lack of authenticity.