I had a really great first date the other day (both f, 20s) and we already have date #2 planned. But here’s the thing: I have this pattern with dating where if a first date goes well, I have crippling generalized anxiety in the following days. I lose my appetite and find it difficult to do much of anything. I did some journaling this morning, and I think a lot of this stems from a fear of being critically perceived, the pressure to be “on” during the first few dates, and an overall fear of being vulnerable.
How do I shake this? She seems like someone I’d like to get to know better, but I’m afraid of my anxiety getting in the way. I keep reminding myself that this is a relative stranger, but I still find myself gripped by anxiety. I have a handful of close friends, so I have experience maintaining deep relationships, but not so much in the romantic department. I’ve dated in the past, but nothing has really stuck beyond a few months.