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Anxiety in the Early Stages of Dating: Should You Carry On or Step Away?

Contents

    The early stages of dating can feel exciting, hopeful, and full of possibility. At the same time, they often stir up anxiety. You may find yourself asking questions such as:

    • Is this the right person for me?
    • Am I ignoring red flags?
    • Should I invest more time or step away before I get too involved?

    This kind of uncertainty is incredibly common. In fact, the mix of excitement and anxiety is part of what makes early dating so intense. But when the worry becomes overwhelming, it may be a sign that your mind and body are asking for reflection and support.

    Why Anxiety Appears in the Dating Stage

    Anxiety in the early stages of a relationship often comes from a tension between hope and fear. On one hand, you may feel drawn to the other person, imagining what a future together might look like. On the other, doubts and insecurities can creep in:

    • Past experiences of rejection or heartbreak may resurface.
    • Fear of making the “wrong choice” may trigger overthinking.
    • The lack of certainty – simply not knowing the other person deeply yet – can feel unsettling.

    When the desire for connection collides with the fear of being hurt, your nervous system can swing between excitement and dread.

    The Role of Reflection and Self-Awareness

    Instead of rushing into decisions, it can help to slow down and ask yourself:

    • Am I noticing patterns from previous relationships being repeated?
    • Is this anxiety more about me (my self-esteem, attachment style, or past trauma) or about genuine concerns with this person?
    • What qualities am I truly looking for in a partner?

    These questions are not always easy to answer alone. Speaking with a relationship therapist can provide clarity, helping you distinguish between fear that arises from your own history and intuitive concerns about compatibility.

    When to Carry On, When to Step Back

    While there’s no formula for making the “right” choice, a few guidelines may help:

    • Carry on exploring when the relationship feels mostly safe and enjoyable, even if there are occasional doubts.
    • Step back with care if your anxiety consistently outweighs the positives, or if you notice behaviours that feel dismissive, unkind, or unsafe.
    • Pause for reflection if you’re unsure – sometimes giving yourself time and space to process can reveal what you really feel.

    How Relationship Therapy Can Help

    Working with a relationship psychologist or therapist can offer a supportive space to explore:

    • The roots of your dating anxiety.
    • Your values and boundaries in relationships.
    • Patterns from your past that might be influencing your present choices.
    • Tools for managing uncertainty without becoming overwhelmed.

    Therapy doesn’t provide a quick answer to whether you should continue dating someone or not – but it does help you build the clarity, resilience, and self-trust needed to make decisions confidently.

    Moving Forward

    Uncertainty in the early stages of dating is not a sign that something is wrong – it’s a natural part of getting to know someone. But if anxiety becomes too strong, it can overshadow your ability to enjoy the process and trust your instincts.

    At London Bridge Therapy, our team of experienced relationship therapists and psychologists can support you in navigating these difficult emotions. Together, we can help you move from anxious overthinking towards greater confidence in your choices and relationships.

    Get in touch and book an initial call today.

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