Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition involving unwanted intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviours (compulsions) that cause distress.

OCD arises from genetic, neurological, and environmental factors. Stressful events can trigger or worsen symptoms.

Yes. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) with Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is the most effective evidence-based treatment for OCD.

ROCD: Fear of Being in the Wrong Relationship

Mitchell Howarth
Dec 31, 2024
2 min read

Updated: Sep 12

ROCD: Fear of Being in the Wrong Relationship

Do you ever feel trapped in constant doubts about whether you’re with the “right” partner — even when your relationship seems healthy and loving?

If these thoughts feel repetitive, intrusive, and impossible to dismiss, it may not be your relationship that’s the issue — it could be a form of Relationship OCD (ROCD).

ROCD causes people to experience obsessive doubts and perform compulsions that only make the anxiety worse. One of the most common themes is the fear of being in the “wrong” relationship.

💡 For a full overview of ROCD and how it’s treated, visit our ROCD Treatment Sydney page.

What Is ROCD Fear of Being in the Wrong Relationship?

This form of ROCD is when your obsessive doubts centre on your relationship itself, not your partner’s traits. Instead of feeling secure, you may be stuck in a cycle of:

“What if I don’t really love my partner?”
“What if this relationship isn’t right for me?”
“What if I’m wasting years of my life with the wrong person?”

Unlike typical doubts, these thoughts don’t resolve with reassurance or time. Instead, OCD locks you into a loop of doubt → anxiety → compulsions → temporary relief → doubt again.

Why Does ROCD Create Relationship Doubts?

Some reasons ROCD latches onto the “wrong relationship” fear include:

Fear of making the wrong life choice (marriage, children, commitment).
Unrealistic beliefs about certainty in love (“I should always feel sure”).
Cultural messages about “soulmates” or “the perfect partner.”
OCD’s natural tendency to demand certainty in situations where it doesn’t exist.

It’s not about whether your relationship is right or wrong — it’s about OCD making you feel like you’ll never know for sure.

Signs You Might Be Experiencing This Form of ROCD

You may be dealing with “wrong relationship” ROCD if you:

Constantly check your feelings toward your partner.
Compare your relationship to other people’s.
Seek reassurance from friends, family, or online.
Avoid commitment because of obsessive doubts.
Feel guilty or distressed for “not feeling sure enough.”

How Therapy Can Help With ROCD

The good news: ROCD is highly treatable. At OCD Clinic Sydney, therapy focuses on breaking the cycle of doubt and compulsions through:

ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention): Helping you gradually face uncertainty about your relationship without giving in to compulsions.
CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy): Identifying and challenging distorted beliefs about love, certainty, and commitment.
Flexible Therapy Options: Sessions available in-person in Sydney or online across Australia.

Learn more about our ERP Therapy Sydney page. Explore our ROCD Treatment Sydney page.

Next Steps: Getting Support for ROCD

If your mind feels stuck in endless “what ifs” about your relationship, know that you’re not alone — and that these doubts are a common expression of OCD. With evidence-based treatment, you can learn to manage uncertainty and rebuild trust in yourself and your relationship.

Take the first step today: Book a Free 15-Min Consultation →