Truly caring for someone means accepting flaws and rough spots, working always together to be supportive of each other regardless of personality attributes. If you have fallen hard for a person who exhibits some obsessive compulsive personality traits you have some special challenges ahead of you and your love. As you build your life together you will need to be mindful of the stressors experienced by your loved one, developing ways for you to respond that reduce further anxiety for this special person yet allow your life and love together to grow.

What Is OCD?

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is caused by a biochemical process in the brain. It causes thoughts, ideas and pictures in the head of the affected person that are extremely compelling and worrisome even though they may have no basis in reality. No amount of research or reasoning can make them go away, hence the term “obsessive.”. The obsessions are vexing and concerning, causing high levels of anxiety to the person who struggles with them. The anxiety that arises because of the obsessions often can be managed by repetitive actions that are somewhat related to the persistent thoughts, these actions termed “compulsions.” A common obsession might center on germs and the associated compulsion may be frequent hand washing or scrubbing of surfaces.

Valuing The Person Behind The OCD

helpfulOCD does not define your love interest . Your efforts to separate their difficult thought processes from the special person they are is the key step in being a committed, supportive and loving partner. Realize that OCD can be a frightening and embarrassing condition. Your sweetheart may try to hide evidence of the disorder so as not to spook you or drive you away. Reassurance that you know of their struggle yet love them unconditionally is essential.

Gaining Knowledge About The OCD

Reach out to organizations that support both persons with OCD and their significant friends, families and partners. Learn as much as you can about the disorder and the current best practices in therapy and treatment. Meeting and communicating with others who are lifting up their loved ones with OCD will give you the strength to become more effective as you stand with your partner and will also give you an outlet to discuss the concerns and pressures you feel. Be open to participating in treatment with your loved one. This will help you work together on easing the anxiety and stigma of the condition. Professional advice can help both of you grow your relationship and limit the negativity the condition might bring to your blossoming love.

Creating Trust

trustAvoid any temptation to minimize or question the effect OCD has upon your partner. Realize that the obsessions and compulsions are not whims but symptoms of a very real and serious disorder. At the same time be honest about the stress his or her condition may visit upon you. Open the channels of communication and pledge to listen. Try to understand what your love is experiencing as well as asking for the same from him or her. Be careful not to make fun of the obsessions or compulsions. However a mindful and mutual sense of humor that is accepting and loving may help ease the grip of a ritual for both of you. Maintain a privacy about the condition with friends and family who do not know about it until you agree together to share with others.

Arrive At A Balance

Your loving acceptance is just one way for you to show how important the person is to you. Work hard together to move beyond the obsessions and compulsions. Craft a relationship that is a refuge from the discomfort of the condition. Know that OCD is a different way of thinking not a deal breaker in a love relationship. Celebrate the moments when it relinquishes its power by replacing that anxiety with love and compassion.