Dating someone with anxiety can be overwhelming and stressful. The most important thing to remember is that you cannot change or fix their behavior. You can however work together and support each other. The following tips may be helpful for you.
- Do your research and become as knowledgeable as you can about anxiety
- Learn your partners triggers and build skills to avoid such situations
- Become an excellent and active listener
- Consider couples therapy
- Practice self care- secure your own oxygen mask before assisting others
- Validate them
- Encourage individual therapy
- Be patient
- Practice compassion
- Set boundaries
What NOT to do when you have an anxious partner:
- Do not judge them
- Don’t try to explain why they shouldn’t be anxious
- Don’t be a know it all
- Don’t blame them
- Don’t make assumptions
- Don’t baby them
If you are truly invested in your partner and you want to make your relationship work, working on these issues can help strengthen your bond. Best of luck to you!