Overcoming Insecurity

It was that time of the year for something Tyler absolutely dreaded, that he'd rather die than do this thing. His yearly dentist appointment was today and he felt sick to his stomach. Tyler couldn't handle the fear of going alone, so he asked his best friend, Josh, to tag along. He would ask his lovely wife Jenna, but she had other things to take care and didn't want to bother her.

"Josh? Hey man I need to ask a favor if you don't mind." Tyler called up Josh on short notice.

"Yeah sure, what's up?"

"Don't laugh, but will you go with me to the dentist today? I know it's super last minute, but Jenna can't go and I don't want to go alone. Would you mind?" Tyler was tapping his foot from nervousness of just asking Josh to come along.

"That's not a problem, and I'm not gonna laugh at you, I understand completely."

Tyler sighed of relief.

"What time is the appointment?" Josh asked Tyler.

"It's in about an hour, can I come pick you up? I may need some talking up before hand."

"Not a problem! I'll be ready in 10 minutes."

Tyler hung up the phone and smiled in relief. He didn't really know why he was so terrified. He never had any issues as a kid with his teeth. Not once a cavity, or any other kind of dental issues. He knew he needed braces when younger but his parents couldn't afford them. With 5 kids, living in Ohio and not making much, Tyler wasn't fortunate enough to have his teeth fixed. He always hated his bottom teeth the most. They were extremely crooked and overcrowded. He knew he had the money to do it now, but he was terrified of doing that as well. Afraid that his fans will abandon him because of the way he looked in braces. Afraid that his wife would leave him, and wouldn't want to kiss a mouth full of metal. So, Tyler just avoids this and deals with his crooked teeth.

Tyler began to get ready to pick up his friend Josh and head to the dentist. He thought about rescheduling but that would've been the 3rd time doing so. He knew he had to get it over with, he was just terrified. Tyler finished up getting ready and got in his car to go pick up his best friend. Luckily, Josh only lives a few blocks down from him. Tyler pulled up to Josh's house and pulled in the driveway. He shot him a text saying he was here. Tyler doesn't like going up to house and ringing the doorbell, he gets bad anxiety. Josh finally came out of his house and into Tyler's car. Tyler was so relieved and happy to see him. Josh always gave Tyler a sense of safety and security. He felt safe with Josh and trusts him with his life. He made the right decision to invite him along.

"Hey man, how are you doing?" Josh asked a concerned looking Tyler.

"A bit nervous. Just a bit. Okay, maybe like a lot. I need to get this over with."

"Yeah no of course. It'll be okay dude, I'm here with you, nothing is gonna happen to you." Josh smiled at Tyler.

Tyler felt extremely safe and less nervous. Josh's smile was a reminder that Tyler needs to keep his teeth clean and healthy.

They finally arrived to the office. Tyler was hesitant to leave his car, but Josh softly talked him into it. Josh kept telling Tyler everything was gonna be okay. When it came to this kind of stuff, Tyler needed constant reassurance that he was gonna be okay otherwise he wouldn't proceed. Kinda the same way with shows. Josh and Tyler always prepare each other before shows, boosting each other's energy and getting pumped for shows. Josh was good at that and Tyler needed his help to conquer his dental fear.

"Hi I have an appointment today." Tyler told the receptionist.

"Ah yes, Tyler Joseph?"

"That would be me." He said with a slight smile, knowing how people recognize his name now.