Why am I repulsed by intimacy?

[Anonymous]

Hello,
So I have had a few guys interested in me, and most of the time I am interested in them as well, so everything should be perfect. But the truth is, I've never been in a relationship, mainly because everytime the opportunity arises, I get disgusted at the thought of being physically close to the guy, and even of him telling me I'm pretty/that he likes me... I just feel extremely uneasy and I end up avoiding that person.
I would like to kiss or to be touched, I'm not asexual, but when it gets concrete, it immediately becomes impossible for me to accept that kind of closeness.

I know I fancy guys, I'm not lesbian that's for sure, but I hate the idea of them getting any closer to me than in a friendly way. I'm all right with dancing, standing close etc, as long as I'm sure the guy isn't interested in me romantically. If he is I hate to even stand next to him.

I have never enjoyed hugs either, my parents weren't very affectionate with me but sometimes I just crave some kind of affectionate touch... that I eventually can't bear.

Has anyone experienced that, and how do you suggest I could change this? Do you have an idea about where it could come from?
To my knowledge I've never been abused in any way, and I was not raised in a strict religious way either.

[Mesonfielde]

You are apparently incapable of seeing the positive aspect of being romantically desired. It happens to people who grow up thinking sexuality is a sin, disgusting, and that all guys are assholes and there is nothing in it but pain, pregnancy and diseases.

Solution? Think of it in a different way, seeing affection in a positive light, paying attention to what it means to be liked by someone so much that they would want to get closer to you.

[yaddayaddayadda02]

You have to go with what they call 'exposure therapy'. Try holding hands with a non-romantic male friend. Gradually work up the number of minutes (or seconds) you feel comforatable with the touch. Allow him to (non sexually) touch you. See if you can get used to the touch and contact.