Anxiety is a tricky beast. For those struggling, it can feel like an invisible, forbidding wall blocking us from the things we most value. It can be perplexing, adding strain and doubt to relationships.

A study of 203 married women found that those living with anxiety were more likely to feel misunderstood by their partner (Ergöl and Zuzu, 2016). Another study that followed couples for four years found that individuals who rated higher in trait anxiety were more likely to express marital dissatisfaction (Caughlin et al., 2000). Without a sound conceptualization of anxiety, partners may misinterpret the partner's anxiety as anger or unhappiness with them, leading to cracks in the relationship. Parallel to this, if not given support, an anxious partner is likely to feel alone in their experiences.

By learning about anxiety and how to show up for the person you love, you can join together to wrangle it. Here are five things to know if you love someone with anxiety.

Anxiety is not an attitude. It's an experience with physical,........

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