Hey, I hope you're all doing well! I appreciate you coming to read this block text I'm about to write haha So I kinda have this problem... I've been using Japanese for several years and I'm very proficient. I passed N2 years ago, and I'm (not so diligently) studying for the N1. However, anxiety keeps me from wanting to watch shows in Japanese including anime cuz I'm afraid of feeling like a failure for not being able to understand everything, but then because I don't practice which prevents me from getting better ^_; I like to watch anime, but some anime have really niche vocabulary and jargon that make it hard to understand them (especially when they're being spoken at natural speed). So I've gotten to this point where I can understand anime with the captions. Y'know, like the actual transcript of what's being said in Japanese as opposed to the translation/subtitles. But, I'm kinda paranoid that I'll be stuck reading anime forever and won't be able to develop an ear for listening to it or podcasts or interviews or in conversations... Am I the only one who in spite of all the years of studying and high levels of proficiency, listening just kicks your butt? Like, is it really just me? Has anyone gotten past this point and have any pointers on what to do? ^_; thank you, any help would be much appreciated! and whether you help me or not I appreciate your time and effort and hope you are having a nice day :')