I really really need input

Sometimes I catch myself looking at people, specifically men, a little too intently. I feel like I do it to seem prettier or more attractive, but I also think kinda enjoy seeing how they get flustered, I’m not sure. Even though it never goes beyond that, I still feel like I have cheated on my boyfriend, or at the very least, that I am being disrespectful to him. I feel like I’m almost flirting. I don’t know if this is some sort of distortion and or if this is normal. I’m really freaking out to the point where I’m nauseated. Please help. I can’t stop panicking.

Kay.lee

Date posted: 39w

It is your OCD feeding you lies

Em2003

Date posted: 39w

@56Heal78 but I enjoy the attention and feeling pretty which I know is normal but then seeing someone become flustered by me also is a bit nice so I feel like I’m disrespectful to my boyfriend. I can’t see this clearly, I’m sorry I’m just so panicked

Kay.lee

Date posted: 39w

@Em2003 It’s okay to be panicked. That’s what OCD does to you. It’s quite normal to find other guys attractive. This is a theme my ocd was causing me to spiral about as well. Don’t seek the reassurance or feed into the compulsions. It makes it worse for the next time you panic about this.

Em2003

Date posted: 39w

@56Heal78 But this isn’t about finding other guys attractive, I think it’s about wanting appearing pretty to them AND possibly flirting by wanting to fluster them with eye contact

ycftlad06

Date posted: 25w

how are you feeling now. been stuck in this same position for abt a month

Em2003

Date posted: 23w

@ycftlad06 Girl, it still happens a lot where I spiral about this but some days I can just not care and it’s like a breath of fresh air. Ofc my ocd gives me crap about it the next day but just do your best to stay present you’re not alone 🥹💕

Kay.lee

Date posted: 39w

It’s the same thing, this is still an OCD theme. You’re panicking because you believe what your brain is telling you. Sit with the discomfort, you are capable. Stay strong

User type: Therapist

Date posted: 38w

Hi there, I see your post from a few days ago. How have you been feeling? Panic creates a sense of urgency within us and an urge to act now to make ourselves feel better (sometimes this looks like seeking reassurance that we are okay). I am glad you reached out. Perhaps you might consider observing these panic sensations, without judgement, to allow for the opportunity for them to pass naturally (which they will, so long as we don't keep feeding into them). This is the skill discussed in Exposure and Response Prevention treatment. If it sounds like something you'd like to explore further in treatment with a trained professional, you can reach out for a free call at https://www.treatmyocd.com/

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