I have always been one to be in long term relationships. For reference, I am 25F and the past 2 years I have been single. It was great, and I felt like I worked through a lot of my anxiety issues in therapy over the past 2 years.

Now I am dating a guy for about 3 months. There’s something different about him and he’s very sweet and shows me how much he cares and spends so much time with me. He’s introduced me to some friends and continues to do so in the coming weeks, and we’ve had healthy discussions about where we stand and where we’re going.

I just constantly have anxiety when he leaves. The type that leaves a pit in my stomach, makes me lose my appetite, feel depressed. But when I am with him I feel secure, happy, and at ease. The anxiety really only lasts intensely RIGHT when he leaves for his apartment, and eventually subsides.

I have friends and have made it a point to focus on those relationships too as in the past my friendships have fallen to the wayside in relationships. I’m learning to balance and I feel good about this learning and growth and he has told me that as well.

I shouldn’t have a reason to fear. He gives me none, really. When he first started pursuing me, I barely would text back, etc (granted I didn’t really know him and wasn’t necessarily looking for a relationship) but now that we are serious, my anxiety is so heightened. I hate it and I don’t want it to sabotage our relationship. I want to be able to just be, in the present, and appreciate him for all of the good things.

How do I stop this? And why do I do this? Any help will be appreciated.