Anyone have any tips for not constantly “checking your feelings” for someone you are dating in the early stages? I find it hard to be fully present and actually feel emotions because I am constantly thinking. Thanks!

Thank you so much for your thoughtful answer, I really appreciate it! I unfortunately have experienced similar feelings at the end of the honeymoon stage in my first serious relationship, and I was not able to work through it as he wanted to break up and I agreed because of the guilt and anxiety of these feelings. Like most people I suppose its hard to tell when it is the person or the thoughts. Thank you again!

Uuuuuugh I've been dealing with this for so long. It's difficult but what you can do is try some grounding techniques like feel your chair, smell the food in the air, notice things in the room, use your senses to bring you to the present moment. Try to listen to what the other person is saying. This is called mindfulness, you can do some research on it and download apps to practice mindfulness with. It takes a LONG time to train your brain to focus at will, but this is how I see it... OCD will never fully goes away. It lasts a life time because it's a part if you. But you can manage and control it with time and effort. So if it's going to stay here, might as well have control, right? And know that it is very manageable, especially with the right therapist (go for an OCD therapist if you can) there are a lot of success stories with OCD. It's not a death sentence, just an obstacle to over come :). Also this can effect a lot if big things in your future relationships like getting out of the honeymoon phase (omg get ready for that one lol), getting married, having a baby, ect. There are ways your OCD can effect your life, especially your love life. But it's great you're catching it early! This way you can manage it in a more serious relationship! And once you get comfortable with someone, let them know what you're going through. If they care about you, they'll support you all the way. And I've heard that couples with ROCD have great long lasting relationships :). Hope this was helpful and good luck! ?✊???

I feel the same... I am in the early stages of dating BUT I don’t even have a “honeymoon phase” and that is making me questioning the whole relationship :( help

Some people actually dont experience a honeymoon phase. Just try to focus on you and your healing :) if the other person doesnt understand then that's fine. But focus on your mental health first