Why Do Millennials Face Commitment Problems?

Points Out India’s Top Marriage Counselor Shivani Sadhoo

Millennials, born between the early 1980s and late 1990s, have been often stereotyped as the generation of smartphones, avocado toast, and averse to commitment. While such generalizations can be misleading, there is no denying that many millennials are facing unique challenges when it comes to making long-term commitments in various aspects of life. India’s eminent couples therapist Shivani Misri Sadhoo explores some of the reasons behind the commitment issues faced by millennials.

What are the reasons for having commitment problems?

Shivani Sadhoo, explains the possible reasons for having commitment problems. Some of them are:

India's best marriage counselor shivani misri sadhoo speaks on commitment problems

The Fear of Missing Out (FOMO)

Millennials grew up during the rise of social media, where they are bombarded with carefully curated images of seemingly perfect lives. This constant exposure to others’ achievements and experiences can lead to a fear of missing out. In the context of relationships, this fear can cause millennials to hesitate or avoid committing to a single partner, as they may wonder if someone better suited for them is just a swipe away.

Economic Uncertainty

The economic landscape has undergone significant changes since the early 2000s. Millennials witnessed the aftermath of the 2008 global financial crisis and have since struggled with rising student loan debt, stagnant wages, and increasing living costs. Economic instability has led to feelings of insecurity and hesitation toward commitments like buying a house or starting a family.

Career Instability

Unlike previous generations, millennials are known for job-hopping in pursuit of better opportunities and a healthier work-life balance. While this flexibility offers numerous benefits, it also means that many millennials hesitate to commit to a single career path or employer.

The Paradox of Choice

The abundance of choices in today’s society can be overwhelming. Millennials are presented with an array of options in every aspect of life, from careers and relationships to consumer goods. Paradoxically, having too many choices can lead to decision paralysis and difficulty in making commitments.

Shivani Sadhoo best marriage counselor in india talks on commitment problems for millennials

Delayed Milestones and Changing Priorities

Compared to previous generations, millennials tend to delay major life milestones like marriage, homeownership, and parenthood. As a result, they prioritize personal growth, experiences, and individual pursuits over traditional commitments. This trend can lead to perceived commitment issues, as millennials prioritize self-discovery over early commitments.

Emotional baggage and commitment phobia

Some millennials may carry emotional baggage from past relationships, childhood experiences, or parental divorces, leading to commitment phobia. Past hurts and betrayals can create a reluctance to invest fully in a new relationship, fearing history will repeat itself.

Surrounding environment

The environment significantly influences commitment issues in millennials. It fosters a lack of commitment and short attention spans. Constantly engrossed in phones, forming profound relationships in work or love becomes challenging, hindering the potential for long-term, serious commitments.

Selfishness plays a pivotal role in the deficiency of commitment evident among contemporary millennials. The constant urge to put yourself first often leads to a reluctance to invest in substantial, enduring relationships, be it personal or professional. This self-centered disposition impedes the cultivation of profound and lasting commitments in this generation.

Change affects

Uncertainty about the future, rapid technological advancements, and evolving social norms make them see commitment as restrictive. It’s challenging for them to predict what they’ll desire in life in the coming years.

Relationship problem

Divorce and broken marriages contribute to commitment issues among millennials. Witnessing failed relationships can make them hesitant about long-term commitments.

By acknowledging and addressing these challenges together, millennials and their partners can navigate commitment in a healthier and more fulfilling manner. It is essential to remember that each individual’s journey is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to love and commitment in the 21st century.