I (F18) have struggled with combatting severe anxiety since I was in middle school. Even though I’m significantly better at handling it now, sometimes I feel like I’m regressing, going back into my old habits of frequent panic attacks and being terrified of the most minuscule events. Despite knowing that’s not true, I still require reassurance from another person close to me. Funnily enough, my boyfriend has been here for me since then, whether he was a friend or a significant other.

We had an argument not too long ago and a plethora of "what ifs" resurfaced in the middle of one of my classes this afternoon, and I was nearly a mess. I messaged him out of panic, asking if he despised me for what happened, if he secretly hated me, what would happen if I became insensitive again, and the possibilities circulating through my brain became more ridiculous. Instead of reacting with frustration (that’s what happened in my previous relationships), he was able to reassure me instead. No irritation in sight. "It’s okay. Darling, I do not secretly hate you. I love you more than anything," word for word, and then he proceeded to debunk all my doubts. 

I don’t deserve this man. He is the sweetest, so considerate, all while handling mental health issues of his own. I do my best to return the favor, but I just wanted to say that I appreciate him so much. This isn’t the first time he has done this, but it feels so amazing to have someone who understands how to calm down someone with severe anxiety.