Afraid Of Confrontation? Here’s How To Deal With It

Many people have a fear of confrontation and most of us don’t even know about it. Fear of confrontation is very common in childhood but we can carry the fear in adulthood too. In Fact the intensity of the fear might also increase.

Let’s begin with understanding what confrontation is?

What Does Confrontation Look Like?

Confrontation is a type of communication which takes place in order to test some facts stated by an individual or a revelation of some kind of feelings or a talk that confirms that both the parties are on the same page.

Confrontation can be a casual friendly talk as well as an accusation conversation. Although sometimes confrontation is necessary, being confrontational all the time isn’t really healthy. No one appreciates an overly confrontational person, ever thought why? Because most of us fear confrontation.

We can all fear confrontation because of different reasons. Let’s understand why someone fears confrontation but before that let’s see what fear of confrontation actually is?

What Is The Fear Of Confrontation?

Fear of confrontation is also known as conflict phobia. It is the fear people face when they are confronted about something. Even at the hint of being confronted, they begin to panic and have extreme anxiety.

Anything that is remotely close to a confrontation can evoke fear. The people who fear confrontation do not like to be questioned and all because they have a lot of other fears attached to it. Fear of confrontation doesn’t come alone.

Experts have argued that confrontation phobia is most commonly visible in people who suffer from inferiority complex or have a timid personality.

What Are The Symptoms Of Fear Of Confrontation?

Fear of confrontation does give us a few hints which you might experience when you avoid confrontation:

• You might have anxiety
• Extreme anger, irritation, agitation and frustration on being confronted
• Vivid dreams or nightmares
• Declined productivity
• Decreased levels of happiness
• You might get scared easily, extremely fearful
• Might experience physical symptoms like body ache, headaches and pain in the muscles of the neck and shoulder

Let’s look at the causes of confrontation phobia…

What Can Cause Someone To Have A Fear Of Confrontation?

The ‘fear’ here is not necessarily about being afraid but it’s more about being uncomfortable. Confrontations do make us uncomfortable and to avoid that feeling one may avoid confrontations completely.

Different people have different reasons which make them fear confrontations like:

• Fear of rejection
• Inferiority complex
• You are afraid of being judged
• You’re not an assertive person, standing up for yourself is difficult
• You fear negative feedback or response
• You’re a people pleaser
• You confused about how others might react
• You don’t want to ruin your relation with that person, you’re afraid they might start thinking of you differently
• You’re afraid of being laughed at and bullies
• You don’t want your true intention to be out in the open
• You have a manipulative personality

These can be a few of the reasons behind your fear of confrontation. Do you recollect having any of these?

How To Get Over Fear Of Confrontation?

Fortunately you can get over the fear of confrontation. It’s not that difficult a task. Provided you have to be dedicated to your aim of eliminating the fear of confrontation from your life completely.

Here’s what you can do

• Know that we can’t control others’ thoughts. That’s why don’t be afraid of what they might think, do what’s right for you.
• Make sure you do not confront someone when you are already feeling overwhelmed. Confrontations should be done with a calm state of mind.
• Identify the problematic behavior and focus on changing that.
• Look for the positive in the confrontation. Focus on what will you gain from it rather than focusing on what you might lose
• Don’t base your perception on some baseless assumptions
• Baby steps. If confrontation is scaring you a lot begin with confronting on smaller issues
• Use more ‘I’ statements to sound assertive and not aggressive
• Practice confrontation

These are a few ways you can overcome your fear of confrontation. Remember the fear won’t go away in the blink of an eye. It will take time, energy and a lot of practice. Me patient and consistent and you will see the fear waving off slowly.

I hope this blog was helpful. Is everything about fear of confrontation clear to you now? Do comment down below if you have any questions about confrontation phobia or what can cause a fear of confrontation…

Thanks for reading.

Take care and stay safe.