Anyone with anxiety holds the mindset that assumes whoever enters their life will leave it at some point. They are inclined to believe they can't have a functional relationship, so much so that sometimes they might be the ones to ruin it. They battle something that they can't control every day and believe that not only is it a burden on themselves, but on their friends and family as well. Sometimes they push you away instead of letting you fight for them. But, loving someone with anxiety isn't a burden and you need to make sure they know that.
Some days it might be hard for them to get out of bed, let alone leave the house. Maybe you had plans to do something and they just can't bring themselves to follow through, even if it was something they really wanted to do. So what, you might have to change around your plans a little. Show up to their house with a pizza and a movie and just lay in bed with them. You don't have to talk about it, you just being there will make them feel loved.
You might have to listen a little more and talk a little less. But every friendship or relationship is about give and take, right? Let them know that you are there for them at any hour of the night. Add their contact to your favorites and change your ringtone to something you will hear even in the deepest of sleeps. Letting them know that you're by their side every second of every day will make them feel less alone with their thoughts.
The most important relationships in your life won't be the easy ones. They will be the ones you stay up all night for, they will be the ones you put the most time and effort into and they will be the ones you fight for.
Loving someone with anxiety isn't easy, but it's not a burden.
Taking even a few minutes out of your day to show some extra attention, because you want to and not because you feel like you have to, makes a huge difference. Calling them to see how their day is going goes a long way. Spending quality time together instead of going out to noisy overcrowded bars means more to them than you think.
More than anything, remember that they are worth fighting for. The toughest of people usually are. If you can fight with them through this, it will come back to you in ten folds.
So to my friend with anxiety, I know sometimes it's hard for you to find the right words to say. I know it's hard for you to pick up the phone and get your fingers to dial my number when something is on your mind. I know you're afraid of escalators and airplanes and will always have to be the one to drive. But what I want you to know is I'll always be just a phone call away even if you just want to call me and say nothing at all. I want you to know I will always take the stairs, I will always fly to you and I will always let you drive to whatever adventure we go on. Because loving you is worth going the extra mile.