9 reasons why someone might be afraid of commitment

• Relationship expert April Masini attributes peer pressure and fear of failure as a couple of the reasons that people are afraid of commitment.
• Pew Research found that 42% of Americans didn't have a significant other in 2017.
• Poor relationships with friends and family, as well as bad past relationships, can cause people to avoid commitment, according to Masini.

The idea of long-term commitment isn't for everyone. In fact, recent statistics show that marriage — one of the biggest commitments a couple can make — is on the decline over the last several decades.

A Pew Research study found that roughly 42% of US citizens did not have a spouse or partner as of 2017. That's down 3% from 2007. While the statistics may not seem incredibly significant right off the bad, it is indicative of the fact that marriage is on the decline amongst Americans. This could be a sign of a larger issue — that many people are afraid of commitment.  

What drives people to be afraid of choosing just one person to be in a committed relationship with? Here are 10 reasons why people are afraid of commitment, according to a relationship expert.

SEE ALSO: 13 signs you're emotionally ready for a relationship

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They may be wondering if there is a better partner out there.

Indecisiveness can strike at the dinner table, movie theater, and yes, in relationships. For some people, it can be hard to commit for fear they are missing out on something better.

"People who have a good partner where everything is fine may not want to commit because they wonder if there is something even better out there for them," April Masini, relationship expert, told INSIDER. "They feel that committing to this perfectly fine partner will limit their chances for someone better they haven't met yet."

The fear of failure may hold some people back.

Some people let the idea of failing at a relationship hold them back from commitment. Masini suggests that people with this particular mindset are not going to commit under any circumstances because they think the commitment will lead to failure.

"Even if they've dated for years, and everything is good, they think that making an official commitment means they're going to fail," said Masini.

Some people don't want to give up the single life.

When you're single, you can talk to whoever you want at the bar, swipe left and right all day long, and do whatever your heart desires. When you're committed, depending on your relationship, that's not necessarily the case. Giving up that lifestyle can be difficult for certain people, causing them to avoid commitment.

"Some people prefer the freedom of one night stands and playing the field," said Masini. "They revel in not having to be there for someone when that someone needs them. Commitment means the end of that lifestyle, so they shy away from commitment.

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