Anxious About Summer Dating? Here’s How to Keep Your Cool
I promise: dating anxiety doesn’t need to keep you from going on some incredible dates this summer. And if summer dating anxiety is taking up more brain space than you’d care for, you’re not alone! Once you understand why dating anxiety happens in the first place, you’ll see that it can actually be addressed, so you can get back to dating with confidence.
Why is dating so anxiety inducing?
Do we start with talking about how to curate the perfect Hinge bio? Or what if we talk about having the same, boring conversations on every first date?
Dating is anxiety inducing for one main reason: it’s filled with uncertainties.
You have no idea if the other person is as honest and as in touch with their own values as you are. Just like you have no way of knowing if the date is going to lead to a fulfilling relationship, or the worst heartbreak of your life.
On one hand, we’re talking about meeting up with someone for coffee, or a mid-morning hike. But we’re also talking about your heart (which is so tender!) and your future (which you’d like to actually enjoy, rather than dread).
Why does summer trigger dating anxiety?
Summer is some people’s favorite season, but it also brings up some unique challenges as far as dating is concerned.
Dating anxiety can get triggered during the summer because:
It’s hotter than hell outside and you want to wear something that makes you look put together, but you feel self-conscious about how you look.
Summer is supposed to be filled with so! much! fun! And you’re counting down the days until you find someone who’s willing to go stand up paddle boarding with you before meeting up with your friend for happy hour.
Summer might be your “slow season” in business, which means you actually have time to date and you’re worried about wasting that precious resource before fall rolls around.
I could go on, but I think you get the point.
How Anxiety Therapy Can Help You Date During the Summer With More Ease
You already know that anxiety can affect your relationships, which is why therapy is such a valuable resource; it has the ability to take dating during the summer from “Ugh!” to “I can’t wait for my next date!”
And that’s because anxiety therapy can help you:
Navigate dating anxiety with compassion and curiosity, rather than trying to shove it aside
Learn communication tools that build intimacy
Build trust within yourself
Recognize if the person you’re dating is actually a good fit for you
Conserve your energy after a bad date
Methods like Brainspotting and IFS also help you get to get in touch with and express all that’s been getting in the way of dating being as fun as it can be.
You don’t need to dread dating. You just need some support so you don’t repeat patterns that haven’t worked for you in the past.
Looking for an anxiety therapist in Portland who understands dating anxiety?
Because really, dating doesn’t have to suck. Let’s get you on track for a happier, healthier experience of dating.
(must be located in Oregon or Colorado to receive services)
I’m Halle! An anxiety therapist in Portland, Oregon.
I work with adults who are ready for anxiety to stop running (and ruining!) their lives. You can work with me in either 1:1 weekly therapy, or in a therapy intensive.
If you live in either Colorado or Oregon, I’d love to work with you. Book your free intro call to get started!
