#533: Relationship Anxiety – How to Reduce It

Podcast #533   RELATIONSHIP ANXIETY - HOW TO REDUCE IT It is not uncommon for relationships to come with some anxiety; it is part of the process of opening up and building trust between two people. However, if the anxiety starts to become overwhelming, or gets you stuck in a cycle of worrying and mistrusting your partner's intentions, then it's time to take steps to get out of that loop. In this week’s podcast episode we will be discussing how relationship anxiety can quickly start dominating our thoughts and actions, as well as practical solutions that you can use right away -allowing us to reclaim self-confidence and let go of stressors so we can focus on creating healthier relationships In this episode of The Confidence Podcast, we're talking about:  * How to have confidence in your most important relationships * Trusting someone in a relationship, even if you struggle with anxiety or relationship anxiety * Changing how you think - and what you've been taught or what you've seen - about relationships so that you have only healthy ones in your life REVIEW OF THE WEEK: Change How You Think & What You Believe: New relationship, new story  Your past gives your information - not a curse Learn from your repeated mistakes Give thanks for bad examples. Find a way to find good examples  Trust that God has good people for your life Pay attention to red flags - all the time Have people in your life you can trust The Key to All Relationships: Communication.What are you holding back?What are you assuming the person is hearing you say that you aren't saying?Where are you being dishonest in your relationship? Decide What a Healthy Relationship Means to You Define it. * Describe it. * Look for examples of it. * Emulate it. * Practice it. 1. Mutual respect - both partners should be respectful of each other, their feelings, and their space2. Communication - communicating effectively is key to a healthy relationship3. Compromise - it's important for both partners to be willing to compromise on things that are important to them4. Supportiveness - being supportive of your partner during good times and bad is essential5. Equality - both partners should feel like they are equals in the relationship6. Stability - having a stable and consistent relationship is key to a healthy one7. Reliability - Be there for your partner when they need you - be supportive through both the good times and the bad8. Acceptance -Don't try to change your partner - accept them for who they are9. Common Interests - Have fun together! Spend time doing things that you both enjoy10. Individuality - Don't forget about yourself - make time for activities that make you happy and help you relax11. Humility and Openness -Seek professional help if necessary - don't try to deal with serious problems on your own12. Shared Beliefs / Goals - Communicate about your values, your goals, money, all the things.13. Vulnerability - both people should be able to be themselves, period, and feel safe being themselves.  Relationship Anxiety Welcome to being human. Anxiety isn't a problem. The volume you allow it to have you in your life is what poses a problem. Get honest about your role in your anxiety - and your history with relationships. Most often relationship anxiety is rooted in lack and scarcity.  Lack of Trust Lack of Communication. Lack of Clarity Lack of Confidence Lack of Self-Knowledge Lack of Time Together Relationship Confidence Within Your Control Know what you bring to the relationship Know what your non-negotiables are Know what your values are