. . .
So what is neuroticism and how does it interfere with dating? Getting to know your own levels of neuroticism can help you see if this trait is getting in the way of your relationships.
The psychological definition of neuroticism is different from the ordinary meaning of being high strung. Neuroticism captures how often people have negative feelings like anxiety, sadness and anger – and, importantly, how stable or reactive their emotions are.
When people use the word neurotic in their everyday lives, “it tends to focus most on the anxiety, nervousness and fear aspects” and “doesn’t necessarily capture the potential for more sadness, depression and irritability,” said Aidan Wright, a psychology professor who studies personality at the University of Michigan. Some researchers even prefer to call this trait emotional stability, instead of neuroticism.
