My girlfriend is pushing me away because she's scared, what do I do?

[Anonymous]

I've been seeing this girl for about 3 months. She is a very sweet girl and I think I love her, but she does have some "baggage" and is very scared of a relationship, which is why she doesn't call us a couple even though we wouldn't even think of going on a date with someone else.

This past week she told me she wants to go on dates with other women because she's not ready for a relationship, but she wants to stay friends and hang out just the two of us like this.

I wasn't sure what to say. My masculine side took over and I told her I don't want to see anyone elses and I want her, but also that I'm not going to be just friends with her and if that's what she wants then I can't see her anymore. She left the night crying and gave me the biggest hug she ever has. She's only like half my size, 5' maybe 85lbs, but she was squeezing me as hard as she could for like a minute and wouldn't let me go. Her best friend called me a couple days later asking me what happened and said she isn't taking it well at all.

What should I do? Should I giver her space and wait for her to contact me? She did text me once to 2 days ago, but all she said was Happy Thanksgiving. That's the only contact we've had in 4 days and I didn't respond. Should I be reaching out to her and letting her know how much I care? I don't want to lose her, but if she's too afraid to ever trust a guy again then what choice do I have? What can I say or do to let her know I'm not like those guys from her past?

[Alennaa]

Well coming from someone who has that exact problem, fear of men and relationships there's nothing worse than getting rejected because of that! I always tell guys I just need time but they just get annoyed that I don't trust them. It's sad because I really want to but it's also sad they don't understand why I am the way I am. Of course if she says she wants to date other people it's very frustrating to you. You can't postpone your life forever I get that very well but if you really really like this girl talk with her and explain how much you want to be with her and how much you'd like to see where your relationship goes. Try to give her as much time as you can because it's not easy. No matter how much I try not to let my past affect me I just can't help it. Good luck!