Tales of a Shrink

I enjoy Dan Savage. I really do. But sometimes, I have to disagree with our nation's most prominent sex columnist. This is one of those times. So, for shits and giggles, I'm going to write an alternative answer to the following question:

I am an 18-year-old student with trust issues. I have been with my boyfriend for 10 months now, and he's very supportive. I am not a jealous person or a controlling head case, because I have no problem with him going to bars or clubs with friends, going to parties when other girls are there, having conversations with other women, and so on. However, I have an uncontrollable fear that he is going to cheat on me. I break down crying and have anxiety attacks every two days or so when the "idea" that he might cheat pops into my head. I have this problem in every relationship. I've trusted all my boyfriends in every other aspect and let them do what they want, but I just can't help feeling as though they're going to cheat on me, something none of them ever did. Do you know if there is any way I can overcome my phobia?
Infideliphobic Dominatrix Experiencing Anxiety Severely

Dear IDEAS:

So you're saying that you break down and cry uncontrollably every couple of days, and yet you don't consider yourself a head case? Pray tell, what would it take for you to think of yourself as a "head case?" Would that require defecating in potted plants, uncontrollable spasms, or merely hearing voices?

Labels like "controling head case" aside, it sounds like you have a panic disorder. And here's a news flash for you, IDEAS: This has absolutely nothing to do with your boyfriend, and it has nothing to do with your relationships. It has everything to do with your personal drama, whatever that might have been.

You say you want to stop the anxiety and the panic and the crying. Ask yourself why you have such a strong reaction to being abandoned. (Hint: If I were your therapist, I'd be looking at your parents.) Resolve the issues you have surrounding whatever it was that caused you to fear abandonment in the first place, and you'll be on your way.

News:

College is hard. Lots of Universities are offering counseling to their students, but the quality varies greatly.

Bob Herbert writes how That Man plans on winning through suppression of voters.

This Church's website reads like a list of stupid typographical errors, but I'm pretty sure it's not satire. (For example: "Cumming First United Methodist Church: Make a Joyful Noise!")

Have a good day.