12 Things To Remember When Dating Someone With Anxiety | The Odyssey Online
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12 Things To Remember When Dating Someone With Anxiety

It might not always be easy, but it is worth it.

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12 Things To Remember When Dating Someone With Anxiety
Abbie Hensley

From nail biting to self-loathing, anxiety takes hold in many different forms. For those who love someone with anxiety, here are a few things to remember.

1. They worry. A lot.

It's easy for someone with anxiety to forget how you feel about them, or to just deny that the good feelings exist altogether. Anxiety is a pit that your partner can often stumble into, so when they fall, make sure you're there to catch them with reassurance, and lots of it.

2. It's important to spend plenty of one-on-one time together.

When it comes to groups of people, even groups of friends, the situation can be overwhelming for someone who suffers from anxiety. Make sure you make time for just your significant other and I can guarantee that it will be beneficial for the both of you, as well as your relationship.

3. You will have to make decisions for them sometimes.

And not only that, but you will probably have to speak for them, too. When it comes to where to eat and then ordering in the drive-thru, take the lead, and do it without hesitation. It goes a long way in showing that you pay attention to your partner's needs.

4. Explaining what's going on is necessary.

If you fell asleep and didn't text back for three and a half hours, let your significant other know without making them have to ask. It is common for someone with anxiety to feel like a burden, so make sure to elaborate on a situation enough to reveal the whole picture, before they work up the nerve to inquire.

5. It's a must to have some sort of plan.

Spontaneity can be extremely difficult for someone with anxiety to handle, so planning things in advance and discussing them with your boyfriend/girlfriend is always a good idea. It doesn't have to be massive date nights; if you intend to have a cuddle party, let them know. If the plan in place changes, talk about it.

6. They hate being talked down to.

They have anxiety, they're not an idiot. Always treat them like the human being they are, even in their smallest moments. Do your best to not belittle them.

7. Don't take it personally when they snap at you.

As hard as they may work too, it's tough to be kind and nice and sweet all of the time with the things that are in their heads. Often times you are their number one person, which means you will often be the ones that get snapped at. They don't mean it.

8. They don't expect you to have all of the right answers.

They just want a companion in finding them. Things are going to go awry and when that happens, stick around to help figure out why it happened, or how to fix it. A little effort will go a long, long way.

9. You won't always be able to tell when they're dealing with anxiety.

There simply aren't always outward signs of anxiety. It isn't always trembling on the couch (although it can be). Sometimes it's subtle hair loss or a decrease in appetite. However, the longer you're with a person there is a good chance that you'll "just know" when your significant other is having a hard time, and with that comes a greater understanding of how to handle it.

10. They understand that their fears are irrational sometimes.

They know that there are plenty of times when their anxiety just doesn't make sense. Even after discussion regarding reality, they will more than likely still be consumed by the worst possible outcomes.

11. It's important to practice your own self-care.

Your partner understands that it is a lot to deal with sometimes, and they are so appreciative of the love, support and patience you so readily give them, so the get it when you have to offer yourself the same things. You don't always have to immediately forgive you boyfriend/girlfriend for all of their mistakes or flaws. That's where understanding comes in.

12. They love you.

Everyone forgets that they're loved sometimes; anxiety sufferers tend to lose track of positive feelings while simultaneously worrying about a million other things. It is important to make them feel loved to the best of your ability -- and trust me, seeing as they're with you in the first place, you must already do a pretty good job of this. Although it can be difficult, someone with anxiety will never forget an important date or something sweet you've said, and what they worry about the most (you) is a pretty accurate depiction of what they love the most.

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This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
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