I don’t know about you, but I regularly find dating stressful. For the vast majority of people, depending on how it’s going, it can cause nerves, self-esteem issues, trust issues, the list goes on. However, for people who have anxiety disorders, this can all be amplified. Dating is generally a process of life where you’re constantly being judged, so for someone who has social anxiety for example, they already fear judgement and this will make it harder for them to enjoy going on dates. If you are finding that you have dating anxiety, you’re not alone in that. Here are 5 ways to deal with dating anxiety…

• Be open to talking about how you feel

Cannot highlight this enough, communication is key! Yes, that has been said a lot, especially when discussing dating, but it really is beneficial. If you have dating anxiety, it can feel more daunting to bring it up, but it’s even more important to do so. Even if you don’t feel up to talking about it with your date, discussing it with a close friend or family member can help you with identifying negative thoughts and addressing them as well.

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Maybe deep breathing will help you with dating anxiety, the good news

is there are many options that can work for you.

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• Find some relaxation techniques that work for you

Now, it’s important to say that what works for someone else may not work for you. We’re all individuals after all. Maybe deep breathing will help you with dating anxiety, the good news is there are many options that can work for you. There’s journaling, meditation, yoga, guided imagery. It all comes down to what you feel is the most helpful in reducing your anxiety and making sure you keep up with the techniques.

• Address your negative thoughts

This is an important step in addressing dating anxiety. Being able to note when negative thoughts arise and being able to counteract that by replacing those thoughts. Having the expectation that bad things will happen and having those fears confirmed just feeds into that cycle of not feeling good enough. Being able to challenge those thoughts and tell that inner voice to shut up will do wonders.

• Prepare a little before your date to calm your nerves

Having some sort of plan can help with reducing dating anxiety. Think of it this way, when you prepare for an interview, you feel more equipped to go in and do your best. One way to do this with dates is to be involved in the planning. Pick a venue you feel comfortable with, don’t feel afraid to speak up about things or places you don’t want to go to.

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During a date, you might find yourself getting lost in your own head,

overthinking and making assumptions about potential

judgements they might be making about you.

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• Try and be present

During a date, you might find yourself getting lost in your own head, overthinking and making assumptions about potential judgements they might be making about you. Being able to recognise when this thought process is happening is essential. Then you can work on bringing yourself back to the moment you’re in with your date. Being present will give your mind less time to overthink.

So, there you have it! 5 ways to deal with dating anxiety. If there’s one thing I’d like people to take away from this, it is that you shouldn’t feel bad about experiencing anxiety. Remember to be kind to yourself and you’re not alone!