So I was sitting with someone I know and on TV someone was talking about being bi and how it works in a relationship with a straight person, and I was doing fine. And then the person I know says "how can you be attracted to both men and women? It's a bit weird." Because I can understand it and have a more open mind, and they don't, I felt a lack of validation with my open mind and sort of went to panic thinking me understanding meant I was more likely to be bi (when I don't identify that way). I caught the panic and acknowledge it as ocd before it started. But it's hard to not ruminate cos there's a lack of validation (and logically I know I don't need the validation but it's hard).

Hi Anonymous2020, that’s great that you were able to recognize that it was your OCD bully trying to cause you distress because of your friend’s comment and were able to mitigate it. As you recognized, your OCD will want to take advantage of your friend’s differing opinion to try to make you question your open mindedness, as best as you can just try to just ignore that intrusive thought and doubt. Easier said than done, I know, but try not to acknowledge it giving it more weight, but also try not to overcompensate with constantly trying to disprove it and make reassurance or spiting it a compulsion itself. Just try to ignore it as best you can and go on with your day enjoying your life as best as you can.

Hi BK, thank you for your response. Its really helpful and I will remember it when it happens again 🙂