How do you ease a man’s fear of intimacy?

[Anonymous]

I’m talking of a straight guy in a relationship, who’s scared to get intimate with you.

[Oliverlogan263]

Here are some suggestions for easing a guy's fear of intimacy in a relationship:

- Go slow and don't rush things. Reassure him it's okay if he's not ready to progress physically yet. Make him comfortable at his own pace.

- Communicate openly about how you're both feeling. Let him know it's okay to be vulnerable and share his fears/insecurities with you.

- Lots of non-sexual physical contact like hugging, kissing, cuddling can help him ease into being more intimate without pressure.

- Compliment and boost his confidence in himself and the relationship. Help him feel good about himself and trust in your bond.

- Be understanding if/when he does open up. Don't judge or criticize. Show affection and acceptance so he feels safe being intimate.

- Lead by example by sharing your own feelings. Opening up yourself can encourage him to do the same and feel less alone in his fears.

- Reassure him that intimacy is about emotional and physical connection, not just sex. Take performance pressure off if that's one of his concerns.

- Be patient! Rushing him won't help. Let him set the pace and don't take it personally if he's not ready yet. In time he'll likely come around.

The key is making him feel truly comfortable, accepted and trusting in you through open communication and understanding. In time his fears should lessen as intimacy grows naturally.

[Billlewis]

Try to avoid putting undue pressure on him to have intercourse right away.

[Nikki1989]

You have to find out the root cause of his issues and go from there.

[aceleon]

probably not expecting an active role from him the first time, instead just ride him and let him close his eyes and think about london bridges.

[ThrillSeeker01]

Maybe just start off with a backrub, and see where that can go

[BarryLiverstone]

Make him feel comfortable. Has he done it before?