There is an old proverb, “Curiosity killed the cat.” I suppose it refers to nosy people

being overly inquisitive about others’ affairs. However, there are times when curiosity

can be helpful to us.

Research has demonstrated that when we are curious, our pupils open a bit wider. This

is a reaction to taking in more information. There is also an inverse correlation between

curiosity and anxiety. If we are curious about something, we are less likely to be

anxious. Imagine a scientist looking at the results of his experiment under a

microscope. More than likely he is curious to see whether his theory has been

confirmed or how the results will inform future experimentation. He is not afraid of the

results, he is curious.

Think about how you can use this to your advantage. When you walk in alone to a

party, rather than being nervous about how you look, whether people will talk to you,

and what you will talk about, take a moment to take the scene in. How are others

dressed? How are they interacting? What’s the vibe of the room? Externalize yourself

for a moment to take in helpful information that you can then use to inform how you

interact with others. Let your curiosity provide you with valuable data that you can use.

You may notice that with the more information that you take in, your anxiety may

decrease.

Think of this as kind of a formula for reducing anxiety: Curiosity brings in data, data

informs our decisions, making our own decisions gives us control, and having a sense

of control reduces anxiety.

By Richard Halliburton

MACC, LCMHC

Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor                       
Certified Sex Addiction Therapist Candidate