Who we spend our time with is just as important as what we spend our time doing; maintaining close relationships is a necessary and wonderful part of life. Sometimes, however, failed relationships in the past can cause future stress and anxiety. Being faced with a new relationship and worrying whether it’s going to work out has happened to everyone; being able to overcome that feeling of anxiety will allow you to fully appreciate the present.
Usually, you hear relationship advice telling you to “be yourself” or “act natural.” Yet, we all want to display the best parts of ourselves, so we hide some not-so-flattering details about us. You don’t need to air all your dirty laundry right away, but don’t hide important parts of who you are. You’ll end up panicking later when the truth is revealed, and your partner might decide you’re not who they believed you to be.
Your partner will never know what you’re feeling insecure unless you tell them. By explaining your relationship anxiety to them, you may find you feel better or they have the same fear as you. If you’re not ready to right out to them yet, discuss it with a close friend. Just sharing your thoughts and hearing another’s perspective can bring you clarity and relief.
You should always be honest with your partner, but in this case, be truthful to yourself as well. Why do you feel insecure? Are you ready to be in this relationship? Is there something from your past you need to confront? Or is your significant other making you feel this way? Getting real about your generalized anxiety disorder will help you overcome it.
If you don’t get a handle on your anxiety, it can ruin your relationship. The suspicion and negative thoughts are usually irrational and cause unnecessary physical symptoms of anxiety, and stem from a cause unrelated to the current relationship. Making conscious decisions to love and trust your partner is the best way to relieve your anxiety about the relationship.
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