14 Ways Having Anxiety Makes Life & Love Way More Difficult

Having anxiety is tough for anyone who suffers from it. If you have anxiety, you should know it’s totally okay to feel the way you do, and that you’re not alone — there are millions of people struggling with similar issues and we’re all fighting the same battle. Here are some things we have in common:

1. Conversations can be painful.

Sometimes, you just don’t want to talk, but you’re met with the need to pay an obligatory “Hello” or “Good Morning” to people you come across in your day. When you half-ass it or it comes across clearly unenthusiastic, you proceed to worry that they think you’re just a bitch.

2. “Calm down” has an explosive effect on you.

Screw this one in particular. “Calm down” doesn’t even work on the sanest of people. Please, just stop.

3. You second guess everything.

Test answers, your Starbucks order… everything. Is this really what I want? Is this right? Help!

4. Your PMS is on steroids.

As if getting your period wasn’t hard enough with the uncontrollable and self-loathing need to eat everything in sight, crying during a toilet paper commercial, because oh-my-god that kitten is just so cute- but now these hormones are actually exponentially amplified. Great, just what we need more of.

5. Dating games are the actual worst.

Long and drawn out responses to texts, waiting to hear from someone after a great date and the uncertainty of where the relationship is headed drives you completely bananas. You need affirmative answers and signs of interest. Just tell us already. Are we going to do this thing, or not? Do you like me? Ugh. Why is this so hard?