Relationship anxiety can creep in at any stage of a relationship. Whether you’re dating someone new or are years into a committed partnership, those little doubts and insecurities can bubble up, making you second-guess everything. “Did I text too much?” “Why didn’t they reply yet?” “Are we really compatible?” Sound familiar?

The good news? You’re not alone. The even better news? There are ways to manage relationship anxiety without driving yourself (or your partner) crazy. So, let’s dive into some fun, relatable ways to tackle those pesky relationship jitters.

1. Remember, You’re Not a Mind Reader (Thankfully!)
A big cause of relationship anxiety is overthinking what your partner is thinking. But guess what? Unless you have a crystal ball, you’re probably way off the mark. People are complicated and have their own worries, jobs, and lives outside of you. Maybe they didn’t text back because they’re stuck in a meeting, not because they’re losing interest!

2. Keep Things in Perspective
Ever had a tiny argument and then spiraled into “What if this is the beginning of the end?” That’s anxiety talking! One disagreement or quiet day doesn’t mean your relationship is doomed. Take a deep breath and remember the bigger picture: one bad moment doesn’t erase all the good ones.

3. Talk It Out (But Not Every Little Thing)
Communication is key—no surprises here. If something is genuinely bothering you, talk about it. But here’s the trick: don’t over-communicate every tiny worry. Otherwise, your partner might feel like they’re constantly on trial, and nobody wants that. Strike a balance between being open and allowing the relationship to breathe.

4. Focus on the Present, Not the ‘What Ifs’
Anxiety loves to play the “what if” game. What if they stop loving me? What if we break up? What if they meet someone else? Take a moment to snap back into the present. Is everything okay right now? Then enjoy it! Stop worrying about things that haven’t happened (and may never happen).

5. Stop Stalking Their Social Media
We’ve all been there: going down the rabbit hole of our partner’s social media, analyzing who liked their post and why they followed that new person. Spoiler alert: this won’t end well. Social media isn’t a true reflection of reality, and stalking will only fuel your anxiety. If you’re feeling insecure, ask for reassurance from your partner instead of trying to “find” answers online.

6. Do Your Own Thing
One way to keep anxiety at bay is to focus on yourself. When you have your own hobbies, friends, and passions, you’re less likely to obsess over your relationship. Plus, your partner will love seeing you doing your thing. Independence is attractive!

7. Challenge Negative Thoughts
Anxiety loves feeding you negative thoughts like “I’m not good enough” or “They’ll leave me.” When these pop up, challenge them! Ask yourself: Is there any real evidence for this? More often than not, the answer will be no. Give those negative thoughts the boot!

8. Give Yourself (and Your Partner) Some Grace
No one’s perfect—not you, not your partner. They will mess up. You will mess up. Relationship anxiety sometimes makes us hold ourselves and our partners to impossible standards. Let’s be real: a healthy relationship isn’t about never making mistakes, it’s about how you handle them together. So, cut both of you some slack.

9. Trust the Process
Relationships aren’t meant to be perfect, and no one has it all figured out. Trust that you and your partner are figuring things out together. Worrying about the future can rob you of the joy in the present. Sometimes, you just have to trust that everything is unfolding as it should.

10. Take Breaks from Overthinking
Whenever your anxiety kicks in, take a mental break. Watch a funny movie, go for a walk, or call a friend. Anything that shifts your mind away from the anxious thoughts will help you gain perspective. Overthinking is like a snowball: the more you roll with it, the bigger it gets.

11. Celebrate the Wins
Don’t let relationship anxiety overshadow the good moments. Celebrate the little things—like a fun date, a heartfelt compliment, or even just a simple night in. Focusing on the positive will help you see that your relationship has more strengths than weaknesses.

12. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
If your relationship anxiety is getting overwhelming, it’s okay to seek help. Talking to a therapist or counselor can provide you with tools to manage your anxiety better. It’s not a sign of weakness, it’s a step toward a healthier, happier you.

                                                                                                      Final Thoughts: Love Should Be Fun!
At the end of the day, relationships are supposed to be a source of joy and connection. Relationship anxiety can put a damper on that fun, but with a little self-awareness and some healthy coping strategies, you can keep those worries in check.

So the next time anxiety rears its head, remind yourself: you’ve got this! After all, the best relationships are built on trust, fun, and knowing how to laugh at yourself (and at that time you freaked out over an unanswered text).

Now go enjoy your relationship!