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Does this sound familiar?

How many people with OCD have experienced something like this?

I reconnected with a childhood friend recently on Facebook -- haven't spoken with her in decades.

Turns out she travels to near where I live on a regular basis and she told me she'd let me know when she's in town next.

Of course, OCD told me "she'll forget" ... but she didn't. And we're planning to meet up in a couple of weeks.

As soon as I confirmed we'd be having dinner, OCD leaped into action. Instead of me just being excited about seeing a friend from my elementary school days, OCD made sure I had other things to worry about.

"What if you have nothing to talk about? It's not like you talked much before."

"Who's going to pay for dinner? What if she doesn't like the same food you do?"

"Where will you park? It's a crowded area."

"What time will you need to leave work to get to dinner on time?"

"What about traffic...you need to factor that in."

"What if you have nothing to talk about -- seriously? What if you have nothing in common?"

"Remember, she was a popular kid, you weren't."

So instead of letting me just enjoy the idea of a reunion, OCD kicked it into high gear.

It's exhausting to fight back, and I can't really say I'm doing a good job of it. But unlike in the past, I realize these thoughts are generated by anxiety, and OCD keeps pounding them into my mind. So it's something I can at least separate from a little bit.

I am looking forward to this reunion and I expect it will be fun. OCD will keep trying to make me feel otherwise, so I have to remember this.

Can anyone relate?

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