My boyfriend and I started talking a couple of months ago, and made it official a short time later. I’m in my late 20’s and I’ve never had a long-term relationship before. I’ve never even let me allow myself a third date usually. There was something about him that I just couldn’t let go of. He’s genuinely amazing, and I see a future with him. We’re currently long distance, and every moment that I’m not with him, I’m thinking about him. I’m sorry for sounding sappy. The thing is that he’s very affectionate in public, and a few people have made comments (while playfully) about it, and it makes my anxiety spike. I’ll hold his hand, I’ll lean against him with my head on his shoulder, but the moment he tries kissing me( I would like to add that it isn’t making out, just a kiss, and then another every five minutes or so). I’m automatically anxious if people are around. I didn’t grow up in a physically affectionate household, and social / physical insecurities kept me from maintaining any sort of relationship until I was twenty-five. I can’t stop thinking that there’s something wrong with me. And I worry that he might think that he’s doing something wrong, or that I’m growing disinterested with how I react publicly. I don’t know how to overcome it. I don’t have any of these issues in a private space when it’s just us, or a small group of friends. If you’ve read this far, thank you for listening to me ramble, I hope it all made sense.
TL;DR
I’m struggling to be publicly affectionate with my boyfriend and would like advice on how to overcome such insecurities.
Comments
You’re not broken. Take it slow, be honest with him, and ease into public affection at your own pace