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    The Fear That Holds Us Back

    10 min
    |
    |
    Aug 22, 2025
    PsychologyRelationshipSelf Help

    Discover why your fear of approaching women isn't really about women at all-it's about a deeper, more manageable fear. Learn practical strategies from psychology experts to build genuine confidence and transform social anxiety into authentic connection through small, manageable steps.

    The Fear That Holds Us Back

    Best quote from The Fear That Holds Us Back

    “

    The fear of approaching women rarely stems from women themselves; it ultimately boils down to one core fear: 'I can't handle it!' When you can genuinely say 'I can handle it' to any outcome—including rejection—the fear loses its power over you.

    ”

    This audio lesson was created by a BeFreed community member

    Input question

    I am afraid to approach women. How can I get over that?

    Host voices
    Lenaplay
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    "I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

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    "Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

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    "Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

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    "Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

    @Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
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    likes
    17

    "Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

    @djmikemoore
    platform
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    "BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

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    "The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

    @Leo, Law Student, UPenn
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    483

    "Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

    @Cashflowbubu
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    "Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

    @Moemenn
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    "I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

    @Chloe, Solo founder, LA
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    12
    likes
    117

    "Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

    @Raaaaaachelw
    platform
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    star
    star

    "Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

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    likes
    108

    "Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

    @Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
    platform
    comments
    254
    likes
    17

    "Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

    @djmikemoore
    platform
    star
    star
    star
    star
    star

    "BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

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    "BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

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    "The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

    @Leo, Law Student, UPenn
    platform
    comments
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    "Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

    @Cashflowbubu
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    Featured book summaries
    Crucial ConversationsThe Perfect MarriageInto the WildNever Split the DifferenceAttachedGood to GreatSay Nothing
    Trending categories
    Self HelpCommunication SkillRelationshipMindfulnessPhilosophyInspirationProductivity
    Celebrities' reading list
    Elon MuskCharlie KirkBill GatesSteve JobsAndrew HubermanJoe RoganJordan Peterson
    Award winning collection
    Pulitzer PrizeNational Book AwardGoodreads Choice AwardsNobel Prize in LiteratureNew York TimesCaldecott MedalNebula Award
    Featured Topics
    ManagementAmerican HistoryWarTradingStoicismAnxietySex
    Best books by Year
    2025 Best Non Fiction Books2024 Best Non Fiction Books2023 Best Non Fiction Books
    Learning tools
    Knowledge VisualizerAI Podcast Generator
    Featured authors
    Chimamanda Ngozi AdichieGeorge OrwellO. J. SimpsonBarbara O'NeillWinston ChurchillCharlie Kirk
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    Key Takeaways

    1

    The Fear That Holds Us Back

    0:00
    2

    What We're Really Afraid Of

    0:44
    1:13
    1:52
    3

    The Perfectionism Trap in Dating

    2:05
    2:32
    2:59
    4

    Expanding Your Comfort Zone Through Small Risks

    3:31
    3:55
    4:17
    5

    The Power of Reframing Rejection

    4:47
    5:11
    5:35
    6

    Building Your "Whole Life Grid"

    6:01
    6:31
    6:55
    7

    From Self-Criticism to Self-Compassion

    7:18
    7:42
    8:03
    8

    Your Practical Action Plan

    8:26
    8:48
    9:11
    9

    The Freedom on the Other Side

    9:36
    10:02
    10:27
    10:45

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