Sharing that you have OCD with your bf/gf

Hi teach25! I just want to say that I totally understand being reluctant to bring up personal psychological/health issues with friends/loved ones but at the end of the day one metric to use when deciding whether someone is a true friend (in it for the long haul) is if they just accept you for who you are, no if ands or buts. If they are uncomfortable and or unwilling to accept that about you then I’m not sure they are the ones who are ready for a friendship/ or deeper relationship. Open mindedness and acceptance are important components in any relationship and are definitely something to look for in others. I’m definitely not saying it’s easy to find people like that, but I am saying that having Ocd is in no way a negative for you, me, or anyone else with Ocd. Regardless, I wish you all the best and I hope you have a wonderful rest of your evening 🙂

I understand, for me im really open about myself with my boyfriend but ocd is one of the things i feel really embarrassed about and almost never talk about to him

I understand this. I have a huge vulnerability issue and have a hard time trusting people, but I realized in a relationship you have to do that. I just started dating my bf and I brought up my OCD one day and it turned out he has it as well and had already gone to therapy for it. He has been understanding of it and tries to help. You want to be with someone where you can be your authentic self. The right person will be understanding so don’t worry, it will all work out.

It’s possible to find someone that loves and accepts you with a mental health condition. I’ve been with my wife for 10 years and she is the only person in my entire life who I feel I can completely unmask my mental illness with. It’s pretty amazing when you can be loved truly for all of your parts including your OCD. I understand that it’s hard though because I still struggle being open about it in every other relationship.

I mean, I told my boyfriend I had ocd before I even started dating him. But given I already knew that he was neurodivergent himself, that's why I felt comfortable discussing things. I mean, i've even shared some more gross intrusive thoughts i've had he's listened through it. Honestly, I think it would probably be better to go the upfront route about it. Even if it's explaining surface level information about o c d given that most people don't tend to know things other than what they see on t v. You should feel comfortable with who you're dating. And if you can't talk about your mental health with them, are they really even the right person.

i told the guy i’m dating I struggle w OCD and he was very supportive, apparently he might have it too u don’t have to share specific details or thoughts though! only if ur comfortable

A real partner won’t shun you for having a mental disorder. As for who that may be, that’s why the early stage of dating exists. You can usually get a good feel for someone’s moral standing and how accepting they seem when you’re going on the first few dates and asking questions to get to know them