I could use some help!

TW: Sex

TW: mention of molestation!

Hello! Please pardon the throwaway. I'm a bundle of nerves :) (This will also likely be quite long - I'm not good at keeping things concise, including my warnings!)

This is actually my first ever post on Reddit! I've been lurking on my main account for a year, but I'm always too nervous to comment on or post anything. I've also always been pretty private about anything to do with my relationship or sexual life, so this is doubly a first for me.

So I'm sure you all get a million of these posts, but I've never been able to find anything that particularly fits my situation, and I've been needing a little help.

I began to identify as asexual maybe seven years ago. It caused the end of my first relationship when I was 18, and it took me a while, but I'm perfectly okay with that now. After that, I had accepted that I would probably never find another relationship, because what I'm asking someone to deal with is likely too much. Again, it took a while, but I learned to be fine with that.

About two years ago, against all odds, I found a wonderful young man who has been nothing but loving and accepting during the hardest time of my life. He has been gentle, caring, and has been kind about taking things at my pace. I have no trouble saying that, one day, I would like to marry him.

Unfortunately, the reality of the situation is that he is sexually inclined, and I am not. He has been incredibly kind to me about the inequality, stating that he would of course prefer a sexual relationship with me, but he also wouldn't want me to force myself to do something that I'm not comfortable with.

I have come an incredibly long way since the beginning of the relationship - more so than I ever expected. When I was sixteen, I was repeatedly molested (though I hate that word) by a family member, and I had trouble being touched at all until recently. (edit: I would like to specify that I identified as ace prior to these incidents - it just caused me extra trouble in relationships). He worked with me through that, and now I can engage in regular physical activities (hugging, etc.) and minor sexually related activities.

The problem is, I hit my wall hard, and progress has been stagnant for almost a year now. It's only gotten worse now that I've started on anxiety medication. I could usually be indifferent, but now I actively find myself directly disliking any activity. He's been so kind, but he shouldn't have to settle for less so I can be comfortable. He's been so wonderful, but I also know it can be disheartening. I guess this long post comes down to: does anyone have any advice about getting over sex repulsion (especially on SSRIs known to affect sex drive)? While I may not be interested at all in sex, I know there are many aces who do it for the sake of their partner, and I want to learn to be one of those people. Any thoughts? :)

Posted Mar 12, 2018, 9:05 PM UTC · edited

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