08/18/2026
Performance anxiety around intimacy is a lot like the anxiety many of us experience around public speaking.
The anxious thoughts that fill our heads when speaking in front of others might sound like:
"What if I say the wrong thing? What if I forget what to say? Are they judging me? Will they think what I'm saying is boring? What if I talk too fast? Am I being too monotone?"
At the core of these anxieties, are fears around being judged, rejected, and viewed as not good enough.
Performance anxiety during intimacy can look different from person to person, but it stems from worries that are very similar to public speaking:
"Am I doing good enough? What does my partner think of me? Are they actually enjoying it? What if I mess up somehow?"
Much like public speaking, performance anxiety is very common and there are research-based ways to over come it.
You're not weird for experiencing performance anxiety - and you're definitely not alone.
Our team of highly-trained intimacy and relationship therapists are here for you - click here to learn more: https://www.lovehealgrow.com/therapists-online-sacramento-ca/
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