Relationship OCD convinced me I’d cheat on my boyfriend

Relationship OCD typically falls into two categories: one is relationship-centered, where you doubt your feelings, and the other is partner-focused, where you focus on the partner’s potential flaws. Symptoms most often occur in romantic relationships, but can affect other types as well, Doron said.

Life transitions such as becoming official, moving in together, or getting married can often be triggers.

Sophia’s OCD focused on avoiding germs and worrying about her health. At worst, he washed his hands at least 30 times a day.

When she met her boyfriend at a bar for the first time on Valentine’s Day, Sophia felt present in the moment and enjoyed spending time with him, but when things became more serious about a month later, she said her OCD “took a hold” on her relationship and she “completely shut down.”

Even the smallest things, like her boyfriend wearing an outfit she didn’t like or trying a hairstyle she didn’t like, made her question their relationship.

“My brain was screaming at me to break up with him, even though I knew that wasn’t what I wanted to do,” she explains.

While ROCD can affect anyone, some may be more vulnerable than others, Prof Doron said, adding that the growth of relationships or whether we are prone to perfectionism or overthinking can affect how we manage doubts in the relationship.

The rise of social media has brought with it new pressures.

“Social media can definitely be triggering for people with ROCD because it romanticises love and can make them doubt their own relationships,” says Prof Doron.

Sophia agrees: “Seeing seemingly perfect couples online creates an expectation when real relationships aren’t perfect.”