I never realised what a problem dating and anxiety was until I witnessed the unbearable suffering of someone close to me.
First date nerves are bad enough, but add anxiety into the mix and it can be a recipe for disaster!
1. Too many pre-date drinks
Do you stoke up on the alcohol to “relax yourself” before you go to meet your date?
This is a big tell-tale sign that you are suffering from Dating and Anxiety Disorder.
2. Appearing distracted
Anxiety can cause you to feel very “in your head”.
This means that you can appear distracted to the point of unapproachable on dates, which can create a lack of connection.
Which leads onto…
3. Telling your date too much, too soon
The fear of NOT connecting with our date can be overwhelming and increase our anxiety.
This means that we try to force connections by revealing too much about ourselves too soon.
Related Post: Zodiac Signs and Anxiety
4. Acting cold
Anxiety can cause us to withdraw to the extent that we can come and across as cold and uncaring.
5. You keep saying sorry
Another clear sign of Dating Anxiety is constantly apologising for things that are not your fault. Examples are:
- Do you keep apologising for the fact that you were 30 seconds late?
- You apologise for the fact that his favourite dish is off the menu.
- You apologise because he could not find a parking space.
6. You cancel dates
You agree to go out, then you spend the time leading up to the date panicking. Finally, you can bear it no longer.
So you cancel the date.
7. You feel ill more often
Whether it is sweaty palms, feeling faint, palpitations (increased heart rate) or actually feeling sick, this can make you feel miserable on a date.
Get Help with Dating Anxiety
Dr Thomas Smithyman is a UK clinical psychologist who specialises in treating social anxiety and other anxiety disorders. He has a PhD in Clinical Psychology from Suffolk University.
His book “Dating Without Fear”, is full of realistic strategies, based on authentic scientific research, which will help anyone who suffers from dating Anxiety.
