Why You Feel Tense Around Certain People (And What to Do About It)
I worked with someone who moved the boundary lines daily. Some days she was warm and open. Other days? Ice cold. I never knew which version I'd get. The relationship became dysfunctional because it impeded our ability to work together—and it made me increasingly tense.
The truth is, people can elevate our stress and anxiety. In this episode, I break down six reasons why certain relationships might be draining you:
- Unpredictable Moods – You enter their presence with trepidation, never knowing if you'll get a chilly reception or a welcoming one
- Boundary Issues – They demand more time, more communication, more sharing than you want to give
- Passive-Aggressive Behavior – Praise contains sarcasm, compliments have a cynical tone
- Energy Vampires – Conversation centers on themselves, leaving you completely depleted
- Secondhand Stress – Their anxiety and overthinking intensify your own worry
- Relationship Triggers – Criticism, manipulation, blame-shifting, and gaslighting keep you constantly on guard
I'll share practical strategies for both work relationships (where you have fewer options) and casual or family relationships (where you might need to pull back for your own wellness).
Plus, the hard question we all need to ask: Are we the stressor to someone else?
Connect with Terri:
On Facebook or by email terrihutchinson@anchorednotanxious.com
Catch my YouTube Channel – Anchored Not Anxious
Resources:
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/energy-vampire
https://www.gaslightingcheck.com/blog/analyzing-coercive-language-in-gaslighting
https://ctrinstitute.com/blog/10-strategies-for-dealing-with-passive-aggressive-people/
Please share your thoughts, ideas, and prayer requests. Connect with me via:
Email me at terrihutchinson@anchorednotanxious.com
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/terri.hutchinson.140
For more content and resources, visit:
My YouTube Channel: https://youtu.be/5AbnBFNzdMY?si=ffHlZULcLJC05xo5
