Reassurance is comfort or encouragement that helps someone feel less worried or doubtful. When you're nervous about giving a presentation and your teacher offers reassurance by reminding you that you've practiced and know your material well, that's reassurance. When a younger sibling is scared of the dark and you check under the bed together to show there's nothing there, you're providing reassurance.

Real reassurance addresses specific fears or doubts with words or actions that make them feel smaller and more manageable. A parent might offer reassurance before the first day at a new school by walking you through what to expect. A coach provides reassurance to a nervous player by pointing out how much they've improved in practice.

Sometimes people need reassurance multiple times about the same thing, especially when facing something unfamiliar or challenging. A friend who keeps asking, “Are you sure you're not mad at me?” is seeking reassurance. While occasional reassurance helps people feel confident and supported, constantly needing it can become a habit. The goal is to internalize reassurance over time, building your own confidence so you can face uncertainty without always needing someone else to tell you everything will be okay.