Fear of commitment or long-term relationship anxiety could be linked to early experiences or even trauma. Someone may fear commitment because they're afraid of being abandoned, hurt, or betrayed, for example. Eventually, however, someone who's afraid of commitment may get over the fear or make a decision despite of it.
Why do commitments scare people?
Commitment issues can stem from a variety of issues, but are often caused by fears that the individual has learned through past experiences or personal views. One common fear is that of being vulnerable: these individuals are afraid of getting hurt, which is often due to past relationship hurt.
Is it normal to be afraid of commitment?
It's not uncommon for people who avoid long-term relationships to hear they have commitment issues or a fear of commitment. Many people use these phrases casually, but in reality, commitment (and the fear of it) is often quite complex.