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In 2018, Twitter user M. Molly Backes used the term "an impossible task" to describe how it feels when a seemingly mundane thing becomes overwhelming, no matter how simple it should theoretically be.

3 days ago, Redditor u/WinstonChurchillin decided to revisit this idea with a new spin. In a post on r/AskReddit, they asked, "What makes you nervous no matter how many times you do it?" And it went viral. Turns out, impossible tasks are pretty universal!

From walking behind a woman on a quiet street to going on job interviews, here are some of the most popular answers.

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#1

35 People Share What Things Keep Making Them Feel Nervous, No Matter How Many Times They've Done It When my boss goes 'can we just have a quick chat?'

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Dr. Tamar Chansky, who is a licensed psychologist and the Founder of the Children's and Adult Center for OCD and Anxiety in Plymouth Meeting, PA, told Bored Panda that anxiety is a universal human experience. "We all have the capacity to feel fear, stress, and anxiety, and we all do," Dr. Chansky said.

But the source of these emotions can vary from person to person. "Individual differences come up with our thresholds for anxiety and also for the content of anxiety. A person stresses about interpersonal relationships but may have no fear about rock climbing or bungee jumping. Another may have no trouble swimming in the middle of the ocean, but gets stressed about deadlines or jumps at a spider," the psychologist explained.
#2

35 People Share What Things Keep Making Them Feel Nervous, No Matter How Many Times They've Done It Walking out of a store without buying anything!

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Joe Christea
Joe Christea
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

At some stores when you buy nothing you still need to actually go through one of the check outs to get out the exit door!

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#3

35 People Share What Things Keep Making Them Feel Nervous, No Matter How Many Times They've Done It Driving in between two semi trucks on the freeway. Bonus points if one or both is carrying a bunch of logs.

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The author of Freeing Your Child from Anxiety and Freeing Yourself from Anxiety said, "Genetics plays a part in setting our anxiety thresholds as to what we react to and how strongly, but our experiences can as well."

Someone who has lived in protracted stressful situations can become much more reactive to even minor stressful situations. "People who have survived traumatic experiences and the like, their nervous system is primed for threat, and reminders of the traumatic event or other stressful situations can trigger what feels like uncontrollable anxious reactions — before they can even think or realize what is happening," Dr. Chansky said.

"Fortunately, anxiety disorders are the most treatable psychiatric condition, so please talk to your doctor, or find resources and information, including on my website TamarChansky.com and adaa.org."
#4

35 People Share What Things Keep Making Them Feel Nervous, No Matter How Many Times They've Done It At meetings when they say, “Ok, everyone, let’s go around the room and introduce yourself.” Even worse when they require stupid things like, “Include your favorite food and why you like it” or “Tell us why you’re here.” Uhhh…because it’s mandatory?

DareWright , Dylan Gillis Report

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Friday
Friday
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I’m an introvert and I absolutely loathe environments like this. Why am I here? Because you sent the meeting request ffs

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#5

35 People Share What Things Keep Making Them Feel Nervous, No Matter How Many Times They've Done It Trying to mingle/start conversations in social settings where I don't know anybody.

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#6

Poop in someone else’s house or away from home

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However, if you relate to the people on this list and also freak out in everyday situations, don't beat yourself up over it. "While we might think that we can get used to things that make us anxious — and we can, and we do — that's not necessarily how it always happens," Dr. Chansky highlighted. "There is a 'sweet spot' for overcoming anxiety. The anxiety level has to be not too high (or too low) and then we can learn to see that the situation is manageable and control our reactions, actually 'right size' them and bring that experience into our comfort zone."

The psychologist suggests thinking about it like this: if a person who is afraid of dogs is exposed over and over again to a big, loud dog, they are going to get more and more anxious with each confrontation. But on the other hand, if they are exposed to a little dog, or even a sleeping dog (maybe even pictures of dogs), their nervous system will learn, through experience, that they are safe and won't have a disproportionate reaction. Eventually, the category of 'dog' will change in their mind through gradual exposure and the fear will diminish.

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But sometimes our inner demons can get the best of us. Especially now. In a review of 215 studies exploring the ways Covid-19 affects the brain and mental health, the researchers found very high numbers of patients reporting symptoms of mental health issues like depression (23%) and anxiety (16%). "Even though it's expected, anxiety has spiked in the pandemic," Dr. Chansky added. If you feel like you can't manage, please seek help and support. You can start by learning new strategies for managing worry and anxiety, and can find them here.
#7

35 People Share What Things Keep Making Them Feel Nervous, No Matter How Many Times They've Done It Drive in front of a police officer when I have no reason to be nervous.

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Repel
Repel
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3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This has to be an American thing. Here in the Netherlands I am more often annoyed at a police car passing me at 5 km over the speed limit. Feel like reporting them to their boss :-0

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#8

Standing up for myself. Not sure if it's how I was raised or lingering PTSD from a violent childhood event or whatever but my adrenaline immediately spikes expecting a confrontation, even when just politely asking someone not to speak me in a certain tone or whatever.

Every damn time

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#9

Let’s break ourselves into small groups and…

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Vorknkx
Vorknkx
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

...and have one person per group do all the work whil the others giggle ;)

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#10

Phone Calls

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#11

35 People Share What Things Keep Making Them Feel Nervous, No Matter How Many Times They've Done It Answering the door. Sometimes I just don’t.

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Softsquatch
Softsquatch
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

its a millenial/gen z thing. most of my friends whatsapp me to say they're outside instead of knocking. tf

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#12

35 People Share What Things Keep Making Them Feel Nervous, No Matter How Many Times They've Done It Calling off work

LumosNox116 , Priscilla Du Preez Report

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#13

35 People Share What Things Keep Making Them Feel Nervous, No Matter How Many Times They've Done It Walking over a storm drain with my keys in my hand

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Vasana Phong
Vasana Phong
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Just walking over it period, always think with my luck I’ll fall right through

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#14

Approaching a green light that has been green too long but you are getting to the distance where you don't know whether or not you should stop or if you can stop

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James016
James016
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It doesn't make me nervous but there is a real "will it, wont it".

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#15

Job interviews.

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Vorknkx
Vorknkx
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Interviews aren't so bad, but there are a few questions that really tick me off. Like "Where do you see yourself in 5 years?" I don't even know if I'll still be alive in 5 years, anything can happen...

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#16

Surprise guests.

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#17

35 People Share What Things Keep Making Them Feel Nervous, No Matter How Many Times They've Done It Merging onto a busy highway

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Bardhi's Dad
Bardhi's Dad
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh, I hate that, I really do! Even I try to keep calm now I'm in the sixth decade of my life

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#18

35 People Share What Things Keep Making Them Feel Nervous, No Matter How Many Times They've Done It When my someone says to me "can I be honest with you?"

No, lie to me, please!

Worldly_Ambition_509 , Priscilla Du Preez Report

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Andy Acceber
Andy Acceber
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have responded "no" to this before. Boundaries are good. Sometimes I don't have the energy for someone's honesty at the moments. Maybe later. But in that exact moment, no. I've even followed up with, "Please lie to me." It's a great sentence to lighten the mood and people will tone down their brutal honesty.

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#19

Using an (I think) aluminum measuring tape but especially when clicking the button to make it roll back into its case. At the speed it recoils, I’m scared the tape will slice my hand right open.

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Andy Acceber
Andy Acceber
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If you're nervous, know you can always help feed it back in. If you hold onto the tape with your other hand, you can slow it down considerably.

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#20

Finding a tick on my body....

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#21

35 People Share What Things Keep Making Them Feel Nervous, No Matter How Many Times They've Done It Calling someone on the phone. I'm a fairly outgoing person and I love talking to people, but I rely a lot on seeing a person's face and observing their body language, which isn't possible on the phone. Voicemails are less terrible, but I still panic a little because if I mess up while leaving a message, the other person has a freaking recording of me being really awkward. I'm so thankful texting exists.

smugmisswoodhouse , Marília Castelli Report

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John Juan
John Juan
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'll say it again. "Phone" is my least favorite app on my phone.

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#22

Public speaking

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Verena Gitterle
Verena Gitterle
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have learned that when you first confess to the people that you are nervous, you have won them over a bit and they will laugh or smile and help you get over your fears!

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#23

The dentist, no matter how many times I go there it's always stressful

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Vicky Z
Vicky Z
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm also terrified but it's very important to find the right doctor!the last years i have a great one and the procedure is a lot less stressful

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#24

Starting a new job, because I can't stand the first few weeks where I don't know what I'm doing. But I love walking into a job after 6 months or so when I might as well own the place cause they can't operate without me!

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#25

35 People Share What Things Keep Making Them Feel Nervous, No Matter How Many Times They've Done It Going into small businesses that I haven't been in before

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Joe Christea
Joe Christea
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It sucks because you'll get the "may I help you sir?", you'll say "just browsing", then you might not find anything to buy and feel ashamed for walking out empty handed!

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#26

35 People Share What Things Keep Making Them Feel Nervous, No Matter How Many Times They've Done It Parallel parking

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#27

Coming out of my room when guests are visiting.

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#28

35 People Share What Things Keep Making Them Feel Nervous, No Matter How Many Times They've Done It Climbing a ladder

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Joe Christea
Joe Christea
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3 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Climbing the ladder to stand on the roof is the easy part! Getting back on the ladder backwards and coming down without killing yourself is the terrifying part!

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#29

35 People Share What Things Keep Making Them Feel Nervous, No Matter How Many Times They've Done It Using my table saw. Even though I am a Carpenter.

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#30

Cutting my infants fingernails.

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Foxxy (The Original)
Foxxy (The Original)
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Omg yes, I accidentally clipped my daughters finger when she was a baby coz she moved just as I went to clip the nail. I cried more than she did coz I felt so awful.

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#31

Coming face to face with people in my apartment building. After being in lockdown and working from home I’ve become covid stupid. I’m not able to even get out a hello.

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#32

Flirt, ask someone out.

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Linus Nilsson
Linus Nilsson
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You see someone you like, you meet, start talking, you build an interest in the person, start interpreting the small signals, build up your courage, ask him/her out and they say no... The mental stake is high, and you lost. It will take a while to rebuild your bank. Of course it's scary!

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#33

Going to local bars when I’m not a local lol. Those mfs can like smell you’re not from there even if you live the town over. They all stare at you like you’re an outside who needs to leave. So strange.

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Andy Acceber
Andy Acceber
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That's why I LOVE big cities. Anonymity wherever you go. And if you make a fool of yourself at the bar 1) it's unlikely anyone will remember & 2) if it was really that bad, there's 100 more bars within walking distance. Try one of those instead.

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#34

35 People Share What Things Keep Making Them Feel Nervous, No Matter How Many Times They've Done It Walking behind a woman on a quiet street.

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LottieH
LottieH
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If you feel nervous walking behind a woman on a quiet street then imagine how she is feeling, stop and wait a few minutes or cross the road. Give her a bit of space and you will both feel better about it.

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#35

35 People Share What Things Keep Making Them Feel Nervous, No Matter How Many Times They've Done It Killing a spider

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#36

Going to the hospital

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#37

There's an open ocean swim i do with a friend. I love swimming, in pools and lakes... but ocean is different. This is in Canada, in a wetsuit. Its 1.8 km, and no bottom in site - just black. I know seals follow us because friends have told me. The first time we went he commented that I was fast, I'm not fast, it's pure adreniline. I am motivated by pure fear. I won't do it by myself, and have only done it about 10 times. I am terrified every time. Lots of self-talk and I always feel great afterwards.

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Verena Gitterle
Verena Gitterle
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You did it "only" 10 times? That was very brave, but why doing it at all?

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#38

Any kind of needles. Coming from a person who has several piercings and big tattoos. I get super nervous for vaccinations too.

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#39

Taking my cat to the vet. That stresses me out. Between the 30 minute wrestling match to get her into the case, followed by the nonstop screaming, then her chewing on the bars and trying to rip the door open, the throwing up from motion sickness in the car, the vet overcharging me for some tiny procedure, followed by the "your cat needs 8000 teeth extracted" or she needs the "Kangaroo Vaccine incase she is kidnapped to Australia" ... please bring her back in tomorrow so we can do this.

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Sophie
Sophie
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I totally get you. There was an infection in his bladder I needed to take like for 3 days in row to different docs, and also days later for check ups, since then i'm so in stress to take him to the vet even for his annual injections.

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#40

35 People Share What Things Keep Making Them Feel Nervous, No Matter How Many Times They've Done It Any time I hand edit a database.

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N000dle
N000dle
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Even as a project manager knowing a dev needs to do this makes me nervous!

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#41

The CEO at my company used to occasionally take employees out to lunch. He’s a really cool guy but I am really introverted and it was excruciating trying to act like I have a great personality and have ambitions and drive.

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Mazer
Mazer
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ask questions about the person you’re sitting with no matter who it is people love to talk about themselves.

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#42

35 People Share What Things Keep Making Them Feel Nervous, No Matter How Many Times They've Done It Tuning my violin.

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#43

Sticking my hand inside the disposal when I drop a fork In it.

I’ve seen people telling me to unplug the disposal, how does one do that?

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WoodenLion
WoodenLion
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

the disposol is usually plugged into an electrical receptacle under the sink - a required disconnecting means to satisfy electrical requirements in the US.

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#44

When the plane I’m on is taking off.

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#45

Talking to a border customs agent.

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#46

Going through the car wash. Ever since I was kid, I’ve been scared the brushed Will destroy my windshield and then me.

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JessG
JessG
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Got one of those things stuck on my bumper once. It was not pretty and super embarrassing to go and find an attendant to help

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#47

Getting air blown on my eye at the optometrist

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#48

Handling my six month old. They just seem so fragile and he is just so wiggly, I am constantly paranoid that I may accidentally drop him.

To be honest almost all the steps of parenting now that I think about it, if I’m not afraid of accidentally bumping him, I am constantly worrying about what I need to do to be a good parent to him.

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#49

Wearing a bikini in public

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#50

Opening a can of pillsbury dough

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Vasana Phong
Vasana Phong
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

😂, I thought it was just me, the anxiety building up not knowing when it’ll pop

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#51

Putting my luggage in the overhead storage on a plane. Major anxiety like what if I’m the last person on the plane and have to run around and look for a place to put my luggage

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Shelby P
Shelby P
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I get anxiety from people having to wait for me to finish so they can keep moving.

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#52

Driving over train tracks and bridges. It just scares me so much and I have to cross bridges and train tracks to get to some places so that doesn’t help. Walking on them also scare me. Since I was 5 it always scared me. I don’t know why it just does.

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Shelby P
Shelby P
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I love bridges but tunnels are the worst. I imagine the tiles popping off and water filling the thing up. Completely irrational I know but... fears be that way

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#53

Answering the phone at work. Work is at a psych hospital so calls range from someone who’s psychotic, someone who’s sad and just wants to talk, or someone who’s seconds from suicide. The anxiety is high

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Mazer
Mazer
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When working with emergency services I got these calls and would remind myself that this person doesn’t have the tools to deal with the situation that they’re finding themselves in and if I can help them find those tools then things may get better.

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#54

Discussing something I am well educated or very knowledgeable about The pressure some people put on you to know everything about that topic gets me

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Ahimsa Soul
Ahimsa Soul
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well, try beginning the sentences with something "As far as I know..." or "I'm not an expert, but I do know...", "I love this subject but I don't know everything..."; so you give yourself some slack. If you are kind to yourself, others will be to you too. Good luck, relax and enjoy those conversations... you got this!

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#55

Walking in front of people, like in a crowd or something. I get so nervous.

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Leigh C.
Leigh C.
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Always get a sense I'm being judged on how I walk, how my backside looks.

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#56

Driving

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Sophie
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Same, I don't trust other drivers... too much "hurrying" drivers, and "brave" drivers...

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#57

I am always super paranoid that I forgot to lock the front door of my work. I've even gotten off of the train and gone back just to make sure it's locked - it always has been when I've gone back to check and I should trust myself that I did it at this point. I now yell at myself as I'm doing it so I hear confirmation of it, too before I step away.

My mom was always really paranoid about this, too (she would make us go back a couple mins into road trips) so I guess it really rubbed off.

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Frank Heidsick
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There is a simple solution to that. Put a small stone, a marble or a coin in your left pocket. When you lock the door, put it in your right pocket. After that you can always check you did it right by finding the item in the right pocket.

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#58

I've been teaching for over 10 years, but I always have nightmares the week leading up to the first day of school.

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Mazer
Mazer
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Thank you for serving the community that you are educating people in. You’re doing an excellent service for that community and you don’t get enough credit for it

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#59

Going to to work after the weekend. For whatever reason it always makes me anxious.

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Jonathan
Jonathan
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've worked every weekend for the past 5 years so that's not a 'thing' to me haha.

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#60

Anything that has to do with my car. I have been scammed even over a simple oil change.

even if I try to be confident, it's very clear once I start talking that I have no clue about cars. Literally had someone quote $400 to change an air filter. I said no because I could not afford it.... found out later how insane that quote was. Sadly that just fueled my fear.

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Truth Monster
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As a woman, I am wary of being ripped off by mechanics. The good news is that you can always ask for an estimate, and google exists now. Learning about the parts of your car and how they function is a good line of defense against scammers.

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#61

For context I routinely work with 460volts at about 40 amps.

Turning it all on for the first time. So many times I have done this. I have trained people how to do it. I have never once done it where had I not done it right I could have been injured. Yet still every time I almost hear a voice "this is it. This is the moment in the video, shown by insurance companies for safety training, where it starts playing. All that comes next is pain and blackness".

I know it is absurd. I pull tested the wires. I made sure that I have a power sequencing plan. I know the SCCR. It won't explode because there literally is not enough energy to explode and even if it did the cabinet would protect me.

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Mazer
Mazer
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think it’s awesome to be cautious As long as that caution doesn’t become crippling I think you’re good to go

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#62

Using a mandoline slicer.

Even using the safety guard I get a little queasy when I have to use it.

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Sam Dodd
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This made me cringe reading it as I sliced the top of my thumb with one of these things. I can't look at them now they make me feel physically sick 😒

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#63

I've been playing guitar for 35 years. I play in cover and tribute bands, and every time we perform I am pretty nervous for at least the first couple of songs. I always ask myself why I am doing this?! When it's over I'm super excited and can't wait to play again.

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Miss Cris
Miss Cris
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Congratulations! It's like that for all good performers!! :)

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#64

Getting off a ski lift

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Myrkur
Myrkur
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

One time went out skiing and they had those hook lifts you sort of sit on. My backpack got hooked on it and at the end of the lift was a cliff. Really freaking scary when I tried to get off and suddenly got dragged with it

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#65

Waiting for a result. If I even think about an exam for which the results haven't been declared, I get a LOT of anxiety. Currently waiting for the results of a very important exam I gave in Feb.

My heart rate is 120 while writing this. And now I have stomachache. Fml.

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Ahimsa Soul
Ahimsa Soul
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3 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Mom is just the same. Apparently for her it works just talking to someone saying how nervous she is.

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#66

Ordering at Subway

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#67

When I was a server, going up to a new table. Always nervous.

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#68

When a stranger hands me a baby I feel like having a panic attack and needing a smoke to calm down after.

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