Let's Talk Dating Anxiety

Amber Brooks

By: Amber Brooks

Editor: Lillian Castro

Updated:

The articles below focus on overcoming the stress and anxiety surrounding online dating and seeking romantic connections.

Smooth sailing isn’t exactly how anyone would describe dating nowadays, or ever. If you’ve ever watched Hitch or any other kind of rom-com, you’ll know people have struggled with dating long before iPhones were born. But dating doesn’t have to be a constant challenge either.

Our expert-backed content addresses dating anxiety to help daters not only find success in the dating world but also enjoy the journey. Say goodbye to fear of rejection, performance pressure, and avoidance behaviors with our help.

Whether you’re new to the dating scene or returning after an extended break, our articles can help you face the unknowns of connecting with someone new and beat the pressure of first impressions. Learn strategies for building confidence and practicing mindful dating habits.

We also cover anxiety during the relationship stage. Our experts can explain how anxious attachment styles can show up in relationships and how to address them. With our guides, you’ll learn practical tips for overcoming social anxiety and self-sabotaging behaviors while dating and in a relationship.

118 Results

What Our Experts Say:

1.
Are You Making Time & Space for Dating? 5 Questions to Ask Yourself
Jarryd Boyd

Jarryd Boyd

If your dating life feels stuck, it might mean you need to rethink the time and energy you’re putting toward it. We often focus on how to meet someone and who might be a great fit. But sometimes, we neglect to make sure we have the time and mental space for romantic connections in the first place.  I encourage my coaching clients to be more intentional with the time they put toward dating. Getting...

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2.
6 Strategies I Used to Get Over Dating Anxiety & Find Love
Amie Leadingham

Amie Leadingham

Before becoming a dating coach, oh boy did I go through some dating struggles! I eventually found my happily ever after…but only after my heart had been stomped on a few times. At one point, I literally told my mom I would be single for the rest of my life. Here’s what I learned: Anything of great value (like dating for love) will bring a lot of fear and anxiety. But our biggest struggles can actually become our...

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3.
How to Gracefully Handle Dating Rejection (4 Tips From a Dating Coach)
Amie Leadingham

Amie Leadingham

Having been a dating coach for over a decade, I’ve come to realize that finding your person is a numbers game, and sometimes you have to weather the storms to get to the other side and find lasting love.  So many singles give up too quickly in fear of getting hurt and rejected. They miss such great opportunities to find a meaningful connection. Trust me, I know one of the hardest parts of dating was...

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4.
Date With Freedom by Letting Go of Anxious Attachment Patterns With These Tips
Lynn Cadet

Lynn Cadet

The Short Version: Do you constantly overanalyze texts or find yourself emotionally exhausted in your relationships? Anxious attachment patterns could be the source. Relationship expert and coach Melissa Josue speaks with us about anxious attachment patterns, how they can affect dating relationships, and tips for breaking the cycle.  There’s no better way to approach dating than with an open mind and...

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5.
Never Fear: A Therapist’s Advice For Decision-Making In Relationships
Emma Patterson

Emma Patterson

The Short Version: Fear can turn decision-making into an impossible process, especially when your relationship is on the line. Nicole Richardson, Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor and Marriage and Family Therapist, told us how the best ways to overcome fear is to gain insight into our motivations and accept the outcomes of our choices.  Some call it caution, some call it common sense, but the most...

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6.
Bad Dates, Falling in Love, & Finding Courage: Dr. Bonnie Talks Overcoming Fear in Dating
Chloë Hylkema

Chloë Hylkema

The Short Version: Want to learn how to date with grace, patience, and perseverance? Dr. Bonnie Eaker Weil talked us through the ups and downs of dating and gave her advice for enjoying every step of the journey, even when it gets complicated.  Nobody’s journey through dating and relationships is easy. Most of us live in a culture that’s saturated with content about relationships and couples, and most of it...

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7.
Survey Reveals Over 2 in 5 Young Americans Don’t Date Due to Anxiety 
Amber Brooks

Amber Brooks

Young Americans are an anxious generation: according to a study released by the U.S. National Institute of Health (NIH), the incidence of both depression and anxiety doubled during the pandemic and has not diminished since. Anxiety can disrupt personal well-being — as well as relationships.  How does anxiety affect dating and early relationships? We asked more than 1,000 Gen Z and millennial singles about...

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8.
3 Signs of an Anxious Attachment & How to Fix It
Dr. Wendy Walsh

Dr. Wendy Walsh

When you meet a new romantic prospect, are you quick to fall head over heels? Does it always feel so perfect at the beginning of a relationship? Then, are you disappointed later because they turn out to be as bad as the last one? You may have an anxious attachment style that is preventing you from seeing early red flags. A hallmark of an anxious attachment style is that romantic partners trust fast and move too...

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9.
Being Single Isn’t Something That Needs Fixing
Chloë Hylkema

Chloë Hylkema

The Short Version: Singlehood isn’t some kind of temporary state on the way to partnership– and we have to stop talking about it as if it were. A representative from Unmarried Equality filled us in on the platform and how it advocates for equal treatment of all people regardless of marital status. I’m a firm believer that every person should be single at some point in their adult lives. I’ve been single for almost...

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10.
Overcome “Approach Anxiety” By Checking Your Ego, Says Men’s Relationship Coach
Emma Patterson

Emma Patterson

The Short Version: Relationship coach Tony Depp knows firsthand how difficult it can be to approach a beautiful woman in a crowded bar. This “approach anxiety” has stopped many men from chatting up the woman of their dreams. Tony eventually overcame his shyness, and he’s dedicated to teaching other men how they can hone their confidence skills, flirt with ease, and leave their egos at the door. Tony’s coaching...

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11.
Dateworks Matchmakers Prioritize Self-Love in the Dating Experience
Chloë Hylkema

Chloë Hylkema

The Short Version: Finding love can be tricky, which is why Malaysia’s singles turn to Dateworks Matchmaking for a helping hand. Joanne Ng founded Dateworks in 2017 to help singles learn the ins and outs of relationships. Now, the team works to connect singles for love based on compatibility and shared values. Dateworks matchmakers help their clients learn what’s holding them back in dating and overcome the hurdles...

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12.
Dating Coach Kimmy Seltzer Helps Nervous Daters Gain Confidence And Exude Charisma
Lexi Inks

Lexi Inks

The Short Version: Whether it be starting a new job, meeting new friends, or creating a dating app profile for the first time, the idea of “putting yourself out there” can be nerve-wracking for anyone. Self-conscious singles and people getting back on the market later in life often share the same struggles — they lack confidence. Successful dating requires some level of self-esteem and the feeling of security that...

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13.
How to Calm Dating Jitters (5 Expert Tips)
Hunt Ethridge

Hunt Ethridge

The jitters are part of every dating experience. When we meet someone who we like, it’s natural to get a little nervous. The more we like them, the more anxious it can make us — and that feeling can lead to a whole feedback loop. You may ask yourself crazy questions and make wild assumptions. “Does she not like seafood? I bet her ex loved it and that’s why she doesn’t!” You need to regulate your emotions and,...

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14.
Skinney Medspa Helps Daters Feel Confident With Body Contouring and Skincare Treatments
Lynn Cadet

Lynn Cadet

The Short Version: Feeling confident is a huge part of dating in a healthy way. You don’t want to walk into a date worrying about your appearance, or your nervous mood may overshadow the night. A top provider in body contouring and skincare, SKINNEY Medspa offers beauty and spa-like services to help singles feel good on the inside and out. Its anti-aging, skin, and body treatments give clients the boost they need to...

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15.
15 Benefits of Being Single (According to a Pro Matchmaker)
Lauren Sanders

Lauren Sanders

As a professional matchmaker and dating expert, I know the challenges of being single get a lot of attention, but I can also name many surprisingly wonderful benefits to being single. So many, in fact, it may make you think twice about rushing into a relationship.  Living the solo life can be very satisfying and nourishing for the soul — not to mention stress-relieving. Here are 15 amazing benefits of being...

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16.
Is It Okay to be Single at 30? (5 Reasons It Is!)
Hunt Ethridge

Hunt Ethridge

Let’s set the stage: You, outside, enjoying yourself. You just watched your favorite cousin get married and are sitting at a table jovially relaxing with a beer, smiling, watching people on the dance floor. It’s been a great day. Lots of laughter and love, and it was wonderful to catch up with everyone. Suddenly, you feel a presence looming over your shoulder. A stale waft of Chanel No. 5 permeates the air and a...

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17.
Life Coach Tess Brigham Motivates Young Singles Throughout their Dating Journeys
Ashayla Blakely

Ashayla Blakely

The Short Version: Life has its fair share of ups and downs -- this we unfortunately all know. However, with the right help by your side, I like to think you can maneuver through anything. One common obstacle that most singles face alone is trouble within their dating lives. We all experience it, but the difference is how we go about approaching it. With help from life coach Tess Brigham, singles can learn how to...

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18.
Expert Opinion: How to Talk to a Girl If You’re Shy (5 Tips)
Hunt Ethridge

Hunt Ethridge

We’re not really taught any sort of interpersonal skills specifically when we were growing up.  You just kinda had to pick it up along the way.  Some studies in England are looking at ways of bringing lessons on interpersonal skills into school curriculum to help everyone learn to be more social or to interact with others well. If you didn’t have an extrovert take you under their wing, or you had parents that...

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19.
Remember, You Only Need One Good Woman to Fall in Love
Doc Love

Doc Love

Dating statistics are kind of sad these days. I don't think I can turn on my computer or smartphone without seeing some reference to how there are more lonely people than ever, how men feel that women don't understand them or have unrealistic expectations -- and, of course, the reverse is true as there are women thinking that way about men. It's so easy to be discouraged if you don't have a significant other or...

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20.
5 Steps to Thrive When You’re Single During the Holiday Season
Dr. Wendy Lyon

Dr. Wendy Lyon

Being single during the holiday season can be very challenging. It may seem like everyone else is cozily coupled up while you’re on your own… and it doesn’t seem like the happiest time of the year at all! Here are 5 simple steps not only to survive the holidays, but to thrive, grow and enjoy this season as a single woman. Step 1: Shift to an Attention of Gratitude You have a choice about where you put your...

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21.
Empowerment Advice From Susan “Honey” Good for Older Single Women Seeking Their Next Chapter
Sheena Holt

Sheena Holt

The Short Version: Many women struggle with loneliness and feelings of invisibility as they age. Fortunately, Susan "Honey" Good has dedicated herself to helping older women feel supported and empowered. Honey is an influencer, blogger, author, and entrepreneur who focuses on providing advice and community for women over 50. Every chapter of life comes with its challenges. As a woman in my early 20s, I found...

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22.
7 Reasons It’s OK to Just Be Single and Happy
Ava Roman

Ava Roman

Society pressures men and women to get into relationships – even if they’re perfectly content without a partner.  Some people make themselves miserable trying to find a partner just because they feel like they must, not because they want one. Traditional views tell us that we can't be happy if we’re not in a relationship. As we get older, people even speculate if there’s something wrong with single people...

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23.
Match Chief Dating Expert Rachel DeAlto Shares Advice for Avoiding Burnout[updated_month_year before=" (" after=")"]
Ashayla Blakely

Ashayla Blakely

The Short Version: It takes a lot of strength to get back into the dating scene after feeling burnt out. From what to say to who to date, singles can get caught up trying to figure out the whole dating scene alone. That’s why having a dating expert by your side is helpful. Match Chief Dating Expert Rachel DeAlto shares resourceful tips on the dating app Match on how to avoid burnout and start dating in a new and...

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24.
How to Date With Confidence in 7 Steps
Rachel Dack

Rachel Dack

If you aren’t dating with confidence, your dating life may feel out of control. You may find rejection very painful and difficult to manage.  You may doubt yourself and struggle to trust others. In turn, you may date with your guard up, not allowing others to get close to you, and resist opportunities to connect and be vulnerable.  There is no such thing as a perfect dating life. Once you make the...

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25.
Dating Coach Mark Rosenfeld Helps Women Gain Confidence Through One-on-One Programs
Amber Brooks

Amber Brooks

The Short Version: Dating and relationship coach Mark Rosenfeld hasn't always been comfortable around the opposite sex, but he challenged himself to change and improve. Today, he helps women make similar personal progress and overcome their dating and relationship roadblocks. Mark has developed one-on-one coaching programs that empower single women to feel more confident and ready for love. He has written a self-help...

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26.
How to Take Care of Your Mental Health While Balancing Dating, Politics, and the Pandemic
Rachel Dack

Rachel Dack

If you ask most people how they are doing right now, and they answer honestly, they will probably tell you that life is hard. They may acknowledge what they have, such as their health or a safe place to quarantine, and express gratitude for these things. But, deep down, most people are struggling as they live through the COVID-19 pandemic and frightening current events. Our country has faced political divide and...

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27.
6 Dating Tips for Introverts
Hunt Ethridge

Hunt Ethridge

Even in the best of circumstances, dating can be difficult. But if you’re an introvert, it can be all the more challenging. Sometimes it feels like dating is all about extroverts, or pretending to be an extrovert. Friends, family, and co-workers tell you to “Walk into a room like you own it” or “Go out to a different place every night” or “Talk to 20 people a day.” It can feel like all the attention, press, and...

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28.
5 Tips for Handling Relationship Anxiety During the Pandemic — Featuring ADAA
Amber Brooks

Amber Brooks

The Short Version: Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) is a nonprofit organization that raises awareness about the prevention and treatment of anxiety, depression, OCD, PTSD, and co-occurring disorders. ADAA offers a free directory of therapists, an online support group, and other educational resources to help people manage their anxiety and depression. Couples can learn coping mechanisms and...

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29.
Growing Self™ Helps Clients Tackle Dating & Relationship Challenges
Amber Brooks

Amber Brooks

The Short Version: Dr. Lisa Marie Bobby founded Growing Self Counseling and Coaching as a therapeutic resource for singles and couples who want to better themselves and their relationships. The website offers everything from career coaching to marriage counseling, and it also features helpful blog posts and podcasts that encourage personal growth and emotional intelligence. Through online classes and one-on-one...

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30.
4 Expert Tips for Dating While Managing Depression — Featuring HeadsUpGuys
Amber Brooks

Amber Brooks

The Short Version: Dating can take a lot of mental and emotional energy, and it's not always easy to see a clear path forward, especially if you're battling depression. Fortunately, HeadsUpGuys has built a library of free resources to support, advise, and uplift men who live with depression. We asked the experts at HeadsUpGuys to provide some essential tips for single men looking to land a date, build a relationship,...

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Amber Brooks

By: Amber Brooks

Editor-in-Chief

Amber Brooks is the Editor-in-Chief at DatingAdvice.com. When she was growing up, her family teased her for being "boy crazy," but she preferred to think of herself as a budding dating and relationship expert. As an English major at the University of Florida, Amber honed her communication skills to write clearly, knowledgeably, and passionately about a variety of subjects. Now with over 1,800 lifestyle articles to her name, Amber brings her tireless wit and relatable experiences to DatingAdvice.com. She has been quoted by the Washington Times, Cosmopolitan, The New York Post, and AskMen, among others.

See Amber's full bio »

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