The end (if there is one) always sucks. One of the main things that scares me going into a relationship is thinking about it ending. I know you're supposed to be optimistic and "cross that bridge when you get to it," but shit, endings are the worst. Having that thought in the back of your mind that one day your relationship could end is something I don't like to feel.
People change over time. As sad as it is, the beginning of a relationship is never the same as it is a year later. Don't get me wrong, sometimes this is a good thing! Sometimes it means you're more comfortable with the person and have a better understanding for them, which is great. Then again, sometimes it means that the effort just isn't there anymore. Before you get in a relationship, or even when it just begins, there is this drive to get one another and this passion to be with the person. As time goes on, since you now have each other, some people don't feel the need to keep trying to keep the other in their life which leads to changes in the relationship.
Trusting them. Putting your trust in someone is one of the scariest things you can do. You are giving a person the bullets and all they have to do is pull the trigger.
Trusting yourself. Not only do you have to trust your SO, but, more importantly, you have to trust yourself. You have to trust the fact that this is what you want. Relationships aren't just something you pick and choose every week. Getting into a relationship is something you have to think with yourself about and trust that this is the best thing for you.
Commitment. On both ends. It's not just about being committed to being with that one person, which is very important, but it's about being committed to the relationship. Being committed to making every day a great day for the both of you. Being committed to making each other better people and bringing out the best in each other. If the commitment isn't there, it's very easy for relationships to not live to its full potential.
Balancing your love life and social life. I know way too many people who have, or have almost, lost their friends because of their relationship. It's important to try and master this! If you aren't able to balance your love life and social life, you're in for an abundance of unwanted conversations. Whether it's your friends saying you don't spend enough time with them, or your SO saying you don't spend enough time with them.
Being accepted into their personal life. I've found that college relationships are very different than high school relationships. In high school a lot of the time you know the person beforehand. It's more than likely that you know their friends, and sometimes it's even possible you have met their family before. In college, you usually know nothing about the rest of the people in their life. More important than impressing your SO, is impressing their friends and family. Friends and family are a big part of anyone's life, so the thought that the rest of the people in their life won't accept you is a very scary one.
Letting yourself fall. This might be one of the top contributors as to why I'm so scared to be in a relationship. Once you fall, there's no going back. That's it. You're done. Farewell to the person you used to be. Although there are times where falling for someone is a beautiful thing and it turns out amazing, the process it still terrifying as hell. You slowly realize that this person means a great deal to you, and that you really enjoy spending time with them, and that you really don't want it to end and that you may enjoy doing this for a long period of time??! Weird, amazing, and horrifying all at the same time.
Getting your heart broken. Self-explanatory. Who in their right mind actually wants to get their heart broken?
The aftermath. Now, this more applies if there is an end to the relationship, but not always. You are never the same after a relationship. It could be you are happier or it could be that you are completely, emotionally, marred by this whole thing. No matter what, you are different. This can also happen while a relationship is still going on. Becoming someone different, whether for the better or worse, is still scary.
I would like to thank my best friend for helping put together this list and being someone who understands this.
