Fear of rejection, social anxiety, being an introvert, or shyness often acts as factors that make people hold back when on a date. These tend to be exacerbated in anxious people. It should, however, be remembered that such feelings need not necessarily hold you back as they can be controlled and decreased.

Why do I get anxious before a date?

The anxiety you feel could be in proportion to the potential which you attribute to the [dating] process,” says life coach Caleb Backe. For some people just meeting someone new can be an anxiety-provoking experience,” adds Dawn Michael, a sexologist and sexuality counselor.