Reality television personality and entrepreneur Khloe Kardashian has publicly disclosed that she is grappling with chronic sarmassophobia, a psychological condition characterised by an intense and irrational fear of dating, love, or romantic intimacy. The 41-year-old star made this candid revelation during the latest episode of her podcast, Khloe In Wonder Land, which aired on Wednesday and featured an interview with her older sister, Kim Kardashian.
Understanding Sarmassophobia
According to experts at Psychology Today, sarmassophobia is defined as a profound anxiety disorder that leads to significant avoidance behaviours and distress surrounding romantic relationships. While the condition can be debilitating, it is often manageable through various therapeutic interventions, offering hope to those affected.
Khloe's Personal Struggle
During the podcast conversation, the fragrance entrepreneur and Good American designer expressed that the mere thought of re-entering the dating world feels 'so scary' to her. This admission comes in the wake of her highly publicised split from professional basketball star Tristan Thompson, with whom she shares two children: seven-year-old daughter True and three-year-old son Tatum.
Late last year, Khloe acknowledged that she has not been sexually active for three years following the breakdown of her relationship with Thompson, who was repeatedly unfaithful. Reflecting on her current emotional state, she told Kim, 'I feel so safe where I am. And I hated how I felt before. That I'm like, I don't want to go back there.'
A Family Discussion on Love and Time
The podcast episode provided a rare glimpse into the sisters' personal lives, as Kim Kardashian, 45, also revealed that she has not met anyone new recently. The SKIMS founder and law student attributed this to her busy schedule, stating, 'I haven't had time. And I'm okay with that. I thought, you know, I am going to be studying. I won't have time.'
When Khloe was posed the same question about her romantic life, she responded with palpable anxiety, saying, 'It's a tough world out there for me... You know what? Now I feel like I've gone so long now. It's like so scary to get back in there.' She added poignantly, 'But I can't live like this forever. Like I'm afraid that I'm so afraid. Does that make sense?'
Therapeutic Pathways Forward
Recognising the severity of her fears, Khloe suggested that seeking professional help might be necessary, remarking, 'So maybe I need to go to therapy for that.' This introspection aligns with expert advice from clinical psychologists.
Dr. Levine, a Beverly Hills psychologist, explained to The Daily Mail that 'Having a fear of dating after being hurt many times in the past is quite normal.' He emphasised that individuals who have experienced repeated heartbreak often channel their energy into work or parenting as a coping mechanism.
Recommended Treatment Approaches
Dr. Levine outlined two primary therapeutic strategies that could benefit someone in Khloe's position:
- Exposure Therapy: This technique involves gradually confronting the fear of dating in a controlled manner. For instance, starting with low-pressure, daytime practice dates to slowly rebuild comfort and confidence.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This form of psychotherapy helps individuals examine the root causes of their anxiety. It encourages exploring underlying fears, such as the terror of being cheated on, rejected, or vulnerable again. 'It takes work because you have to look back at the past pain, but it is worth it in the end because it heals,' Dr. Levine noted.
Historical Context and Personal Resilience
Khloe's relationship history adds depth to her current psychological battle. Prior to her tumultuous partnership with Tristan Thompson, she was married to former NBA player Lamar Odom from 2009 until their divorce in 2013. Odom has recently checked into a rehabilitation facility following a DUI arrest, underscoring the complex personal challenges both have faced.
Despite these emotional hurdles, Khloe appears to be thriving in other aspects of her life. The Hidden Hills resident is in peak physical condition and continues to expand her business empire, recently launching a new fragrance called Almost Always. Her openness about mental health struggles serves as a powerful reminder that even public figures face profound personal battles, and seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
