Lesson 3 · The mechanic, deeper

Why avoidance grows the fear

A colleague suggests grabbing coffee after work. You feel anxious right away. You say you've already got plans. You go home. Within ten minutes you feel a wave of relief — like you dodged something bad.

That relief is the problem.

This lesson is a closer look at step 4 of the cycle from Lesson 2 — the part where escaping makes you feel better in the moment, and quietly makes the next time harder.