BY TINA FEY
Anxiety, like the flu, can be contagious and emotionally taxing, as partners can inadvertently "catch" each other's stress, leading to escalated arguments and strained communication.
Being a worrier, I'm highly organized and attentive to details, but my obsession with them can sometimes lead me to repeatedly check on tasks and ask if they've been completed, which can make others feel incompetent and undermine their capabilities.
The desire for control, often driven by anxiety, can lead to micromanagement and difficulties in relinquishing control in relationships, causing an imbalance of power, lack of trust, and jealousy issues.
I only share the highlights with my anxious mom because her tendency to take on my stress makes honest communication difficult and can lead to secrecy and misunderstandings.
Anxiety can lead individuals to seek reassurance and validation from their loved ones, potentially making them appear clingy or needy and causing over-dependence that burdens their relationships and impacts their loved ones' emotional well-being.
Anxiety can lead to different coping mechanisms, including over-reliance or withdrawal, which may leave loved ones feeling disappointed, neglected, and unheard due to the emotional toll it takes on the anxious individual.