Let's Talk Dating Anxiety (Page 4)

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:

91.
Michelle Johnson

Michelle Johnson

"Whenever I want a really nice meal, I start dating again." ~ Susan Healy Re-entering the dating scene after divorce or a long-term relationship can be intimidating and daunting to any woman. Even the most accomplished, confident or beautiful woman can regress to the point of feeling like a pimple-faced, awkward adolescent at a middle school dance. To say you feel “out of practice” may be a gross understatement....

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92.
I’m Scared I Missed the “Love Boat.” How Do I Get Started?
Dr. Wendy Walsh

Dr. Wendy Walsh

Reader Question: I'm a 38-year-old gay man. I have spent my entire adulthood working my ass off, going to school, then working my ass off again. I am scared I missed the "love boat." I am sure I am not the only one out there looking for love in their late 30s. How do I get started, and how do I attract men at my age? -Moe (Michigan) Dr. Wendy Walsh's Answer: Memo to Moe: 38 is the new 28. You are young...

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93.
Susie & Otto Collins

Susie & Otto Collins

Lurking at the back of a single person's mind is a nagging worry. For those who truly aren't looking for a relationship, this doesn't apply. But for anyone who wants to be in a fabulous and satisfying love relationship or marriage…and isn't...it can be frequent and unwanted. This worry creeps up when your co-worker announces her engagement. It taunts you in the night when you're trying to sleep. It rears its...

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94.
Great Guys Exist, But They Might Be Trapped in First Date Hell
Jonathon Aslay

Jonathon Aslay

A few days ago, I spoke to a woman named Stacey who shared the story of her younger brother. He's a guy with a stable job. He's a fantastic uncle to her kids, he feeds the homeless on Wednesday nights, and he’s a perfect gentleman to friends, co-workers and even strangers. He exercises regularly, eats healthy and has no criminal record (that should give him 50 bonus points right there). All in all, he's a good guy...

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95.
I Don’t Know How to Get Past the Fear of Getting Hurt. Any Advice?
Dr. Wendy Walsh

Dr. Wendy Walsh

Reader Question: I am a 48-year-old full-time single dad. My daughters are 17 and 18 and don’t see their mother regularly. I remarried 10 years ago when they were younger and it was a disaster. She was not interested in my children and was very immature, wanting it to be all about her. We have been divorced for three years now. I have been interested in women that I have cancelled on, and I don’t know how to...

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96.
Michelle Johnson

Michelle Johnson

"Take spring when it comes, and rejoice. Take happiness when it comes, and rejoice. Take love when it comes, and rejoice." - Carl Ewald Do you ever feel like the chance for love or romance has passed you by? You may be looking for love for the first, second, third or umpteenth time. You may just want some fun or steady companionship, or even just a delicious kiss to make your toes curl. Whatever you may want...

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97.
I’m Afraid to Date Again. What Should I Do?
Dr. Wendy Walsh

Dr. Wendy Walsh

Reader Question: I married my high school sweetheart at 21. We had two kids and my husband passed away three years ago unexpectedly. We had been married for 30 years. I want to date, but I am so afraid. What should I do? -Ruthie (Virginia) Dr. Wendy Walsh's Answer: Ruthie, While you are wise to have caution, you should know you are young enough to have a whole second life with a wonderful man. And it...

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98.
Coping with “He Didn’t Call Me Back” Blues
Brian Rzepczynski

Brian Rzepczynski

You know the scenario. You go out on a first date with that incredible guy who seems like he meets all your criteria for good boyfriend material and you both seemingly had a great time. You maybe even got a kiss and exchanged lots of flirtatious banter that raised your hopes that maybe it was “true blue” this time. But then he falls off the face of the earth despite his claims he’d call you back for a second...

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99.
Dating Reality Check: You Are Not Front Page News!
David Wygant

David Wygant

One of the top issues people I coach encounter in trying to meet people of the opposite sex is the fear they will be rejected - and in public - if they approach a member of the opposite sex. Here is a quick mindset tip for all of you who share this particular issue, and I'm going to demonstrate it with an actual interaction I had with a client. David: "Did you see me on the front page of the Los Angeles Times today?...

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100.
Mary Gorham Malia

Mary Gorham Malia

It’s the new year again. You’re still single. You’re discouraged. You’re done with online dating. You don’t go to clubs or bars. You hate parties and can’t stand potluck suppers. Your social scene consists of you, your three dogs and a couple of good lesbian friends who are a couple. Good gracious, what’s a lesbian going to do if this represents the choices you’ve been making about dating and finding love? First,...

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101.
Shy Girls’ Guide to Dating
Dr. Frankie Bashan

Dr. Frankie Bashan

For women who are more extroverted and gregarious, holiday parties and mixers can bring excitement. However, they can also stir up a great deal of anxiety in women who tend to be shy. Well rest assured dear introverts, this article is for you. Together we will break down the common dating obstacles so you can move forward toward getting what you want — a happy relationship. Dating for the introverts can feel...

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102.
Do You Get Lonely This Time of Year?
David Wygant

David Wygant

'Tis the season to be alone. Fa la la la la la la la la. It all starts right around Thanksgiving. You go home for the holidays, your grandmother looks at you and wonders, "Why are you not dating anyone?" You tell her you are dating people, but nobody special. Grandma — who has known you since you were born and knows when you are trying to pull the wool over her old eyes — looks at you and says: “You...

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103.
How Do I Learn to be Myself in Front of Guys?
Bethany Heinesh

Bethany Heinesh

Ladies, there is nothing more attractive to a man than a confident woman. I know a lot of women struggle with being themselves in mixed company and feel shy and embarrassed around men. It’s time to throw your insecurity out the window and show off your inner goddess. If you need a little practice, get together with some guy friends and tell them you struggle with this issue. Ask them to help you learn to be...

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104.
I’m Shy With Women. How Do I Overcome That?
Dr. Wendy Walsh

Dr. Wendy Walsh

Reader Question: I am shy when it comes to women. How do I overcome that? -Bobby (New York) Dr. Wendy Walsh's Answer: I know how hard it can be to compete for a mate with so many outgoing men full of bravado. But there are women who find those guys offensive and would really prefer your personality type. If you’d like to improve your “game,” there are wonderful social skills classes available to adults at...

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105.
I’m Afraid He’ll Find Someone. How Do I Stop Thinking About It?
Dr. Wendy Walsh

Dr. Wendy Walsh

Reader Question: I've been dating this guy on and off for the last two years. The times we broke up were because of his racist mother. I'm biracial and he's white. She would always stick herself in our relationship and make things complicated. Now we aren't dating but still talk every day even though he went to college an hour away. I'm afraid that while he's away at college he'll find someone else and maybe even...

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106.
Are Men Really Scared of Approaching Women?
Nick Slade

Nick Slade

Rattlesnakes and rabid pit bulls have nothing on a sweet petite woman when it comes to intimidating a man. Sure, we learn to cover up our fear and cowardice with a manly swagger or have a shot of courage before we make the approach, but there are many times when it takes every ounce of our courage just to smile and say hello. The reasons are many and are different for different men. In general terms, the “why” can...

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107.
I Was Born With a Hunchback. Can Women Like Me?
Dr. Wendy Walsh

Dr. Wendy Walsh

Reader Question: I have Kyphosis or hunchback. This deformity makes me anxious and shy around women. Can women like me even with this problem? -Jason (California) Dr. Wendy Walsh's Answer: Yes! But here’s the caveat: Women can love you despite your body-type variation only if you can love yourself. And that proves true for everyone. We can’t truly find love, accept love and truly feel loved until we can...

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108.
Are There More Homosexuals Now That The Door is Open?
Dr. Wendy Walsh

Dr. Wendy Walsh

Reader Question: Are there more homosexuals now that the door is open to it? Do you find this (open homosexual lifestyle) a threat to the traditional family and traditional family values? Why or why not? -Robert (Texas) Dr. Wendy Walsh's Answer: I don’t think more gay people are suddenly increasing in our species. I just think that as our culture is become more accepting and loving, more gay people feel safe...

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109.
I Think He’s Thinking About Her. How Do I Get My Emotions Under Control?
Dr. Wendy Walsh

Dr. Wendy Walsh

Reader Question: I'm in a very happy and loving relationship with the most wonderful man, but when I see a female who is attractive, I automatically think he's thinking about her. The worst is when we're watching TV, and if there is any nudity or sex scenes, I don't want to watch it anymore. I don't want this to cause problems with us now or in the future. He told me men are visual beings and they can't help but...

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110.
It’s Hard to Be Myself. How Can She See My Personality?
Dr. Wendy Walsh

Dr. Wendy Walsh

Reader Question: There is a girl I met almost three years ago now. We dated for a brief time when we met. Then things went south because I got a little crazy, mostly due to going through one of the hardest times in my life. We still keep in contact and will hang out a few times a year. When we do hang out, I find it hard to act myself around her because I like her so much. What advice do you have for me to not...

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111.
My Friends Say I Shouldn’t Live With My Ex. Are They Right?
Dr. Wendy Walsh

Dr. Wendy Walsh

Reader Question: For about 13 years I have been single. When I lost my job nine years ago, my ex-husband and son offered a room so I would not be homeless. I'm still with them and we get along. But I have not found a job, and I haven't found a date either. My girlfriends say it’s because no man would want to be around a woman who boards with her ex. At the moment, there is nothing I can do about my life...

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112.
How to Get Over a Fear of Online Dating
Kara Pound

Kara Pound

Dating makes us vulnerable. It creates social anxiety and brings with it the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. Online dating is a great place to start for women who have a hard time starting new relationships. But what happens when a woman is too scared to even try online dating? Is there any hope for them? How can a woman overcome the fear that is holding her back and getting in the way of finding true...

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113.
How to Ask a Gay Guy Out
Sam Stieler

Sam Stieler

Asking a man out can be a really stressful experience. When you see a man you find attractive, a strange natural system kicks into place, flooding you with a fine-tuned hormonal balance that both exhilarates and cripples. Learning how to handle this powerful emotional experience, one that makes you want to both run away and stay forever, is a crucial element of asking another man out. Don’t fight it. You’ll...

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114.
How Senior Women Can Stop First Date Anxiety
Kara Pound

Kara Pound

If you’re looking for love as a senior lady, chances are it’s your second time around playing the field. But unlike riding a bike, dating is something that needs to be relearned, especially today with online dating, email, texting and video chatting. Negotiating the dating world in the 21st century can create a lot of first date anxiety for women in their 50s, 60s, 70s and beyond. Let’s look at a fictional example...

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115.
First Date Tips for Shy Lesbians
Kara Pound

Kara Pound

No matter if you’re lesbian, gay, bisexual or straight, dating poses uncomfortable and unsure situations for all of us. But for a shy or timid lesbian looking for love, it can be a bit more difficult. After all, gay women have to consider more than just a wedding ring when it comes to meeting a potential partner. So whether you’ve been out of the closet for 10 years or just 10 months, here are some tips to boost your...

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116.
How Do I Calm My Nerves Before a Date?
Bethany Heinesh

Bethany Heinesh

Yes, going on a date can be a frightening experience. Feeling anxious, nervous — even nauseous — is completely normal. There are a number of ways to calm your nerves before a date, however, so you can go out feeling your most confident, ready to have a good time. While I always advocate alcohol in moderation on dates, I also know a little wine can really take the edge off. I’m not talking about swigging back an...

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117.
Confidence Tips for the Shy and Insecure Dater
Adrienne Longhurst

Adrienne Longhurst

There is no shame in feeling insecure when it comes to dating. Trust me when I say it happens to the best of us. For some, it’s about overcoming shyness, while others have trouble worrying about how they’re perceived by others. Whatever your issue, these dating confidence tips will help you. Fake it. You’re not going to become a confident dater overnight, especially if you’re still kind of new to dating. My...

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118.
How Do I Deal with My Girlfriend Making More Money Than I Do?
Bethany Heinesh

Bethany Heinesh

Guys, if you’re feeling insecure because your woman makes more money than you, may I suggest you build a bridge and get over yourself?! Just because your girlfriend makes more money does not make you any less of a man. I have never dated a man who made more money than me. Never. And I have never thought my boyfriend was a loser or inferior to me in any way…or inferior to other men for that matter. Sure, there are...

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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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