 Whether you're dating someone with anxiety or you're anxious yourself, anxiety can feel like there's a third person stealthily crashing your date. When anxiety is involved, every interaction can feel blanketed by the fear of being rejected or misunderstood, but anxiety doesn't have to break your relationship or put a strain on it to the point where it's hard to enjoy. So here are 7 practical dating tips that you can rely on for assistance. Awareness. The more you know about anxiety, the better you can help your partner. Explains mental health author Arlan Kuncek. No one should ever have to be asked, why are you so anxious all the time? When you learn more about anxiety, it can make you kinder to both yourself and others. And if you're on a date with an anxious person, you can extend this understanding with a reassuring comment like, if you're feeling anxious, I want you to know it's completely okay. Patience. If a date asks you to chill out, it's crucial to understand that it's not as simple as flipping a switch. Explains Arlan Kuncek. Instead, it is something that can be supported through patience. Patience is not only attractive, but it can help regulate your crush's nervous system and make them feel safe with you. Like the poet Atticus says, watch carefully the magic that occurs when you give a person enough comfort to just be themselves. Reassurance. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, when loving someone with anxiety, you may be tempted to criticize their thoughts or actions. But this isn't helpful and can actually worsen it. Instead, try reassuring them by saying, I understand that your fear may not seem rational to others, but I recognize that it's very real for you. Is there anything specific I can do to help you feel more comfortable or secure in the situation? Playfulness. There's a reason you can lose track of time when you're having fun. The same thing can be said when it comes to anxiety. Engaging in activities that both of you find fun and light-hearted can bring on those flirty giggles and lessen their worries. Check In. When dating someone struggling with anxiety, it can be helpful to check in with your partner and ask them what feels supportive and what doesn't. Says therapist Kate Rosenblatt. Sometimes it can feel impossible to know what you want in the intensity of a panic attack or at a particularly anxious time. This is why scheduling weekly or daily check-ins can be so helpful, especially if you both struggle with anxiety. Control. If you struggle with anxiety, your mind can overwhelm you with all the ways a date could go wrong. It's Highland Park therapy. In the world of dating and love, it can feel like you're losing all control. So one way to help ease your date's anxiety is to let them plan the date so they know what to expect. They can decide what kind of activities to schedule, which can help ease their worries. Says medical news today. Compliment. You aren't a burden and the right person won't make you feel like one. According to psychologist Mark Travers, it's essential to check in with yourself and make sure you're dating someone because you want to, not because you need their approval. And for those of you who are dating someone anxious, let them know how proud you are to be with them. You can even reassure them by saying something like, sharing your feelings with me is a sign of strength and I admire you for it. Your presence in my life brings me great joy and I'm grateful to have you. Will you be trying out these tips? Let us know below. And if you found this video helpful, let us know by giving it a like and subscribing for more if you haven't already. Until next time, thanks for being you.