My severe anxiety has affected my relationships (friendships) and my love life. I either distance myself or my mind becomes blank like a sheet of paper... I cannot provide an appropriate response when my mind becomes blank. My throat used to close or at least it felt like it did. I have the desire to be accepted and belong, but I have a fear of rejection and being disliked to the point where communicating with people is difficult or almost impossible. I'd suggest that you should give him some background information on anxiety (where it originates from, what it is, and how it affects you (basically how you feel)). Everyone experiences anxiety sometime during their lives.