This is a good starting place-
Articles: Be Your Own Superhero: Learning How and When to Stand Up for Ourselves; Draw the Line: Setting Healthy Relationship Boundaries
Book: Where to Draw the Line: How to Set Healthy Boundaries Every Day

Do you mind sharing what city/country you're in so we can make some suggestions on finding a provider?

Oh, good! I'm really glad to hear she seems to really understand now how her behavior and actions were hurtful and unfair, and I hope therapy can keep y'all on a good path of healing and moving forward. I'll say, because I care about you and your wellbeing, please keep putting yourself first when it...

Is it possible to have a trash bin in your room?

I think that's a good idea, sometimes we just need a little distance to work through our emotions about someone. It's best to step away while you process then to end up blowing up or saying something you might regret. Like you said, it isn't her fault because she didn't know. But it's also valid tha...

Hi sandpiper. hope it's okay that I jump in! I'm caught up on the thread. What you're describing can be labeled as asexuality if you're comfortable with the label, which it sounds like you are, but as a footnote of sorts (great way to describe it!) and it can change. I personally know someone who ha...

If you were friends before you started dating then I don't think there's emotional manipulation or any red flags going on. It makes sense that since you had a friendship already, you'd get close faster as a couple.

Oh, that's a tough one, and not very fair to put you in that position. If she knew you wanted a kid, it really isn't cool to say she wants to have a kid and let you be involved but not be a parent to the kid. You're right she is acting in a selfish way and that's unfair to you. Given that she's not ...

Hi iloveeveryone! I'm sorry you've had to stop hanging out with your friend, it sounds like you were pretty close. You definitely aren't being dramatic and your feelings are valid. It isn't fair that because the people around you don't understand the physical affection, you can't display it. Did you...

What you're describing doesn't sound like gaslighting, although I have no way to know for sure, but it sounds like simple misunderstandings that happen between people. Same with the amount of time you spend together - spending a lot of time together, and "a lot" is relative, isn't inherent...

Hi Mixxes, I hope it's okay if I jump in. I'll be honest, what you're going through is something I can relate to quite a bit, so I hope I have some good advice but also my greatest advice here is to follow your heart (as corny as that sounds). I also want to just give you space to vent, if that's wh...

Hi Raffles. I'm sorry this has become such a nightmare, but I'm glad they weren't pushy and respected your request. I'm wondering if it would be good to wait a bit longer and try again, right now isn't the right time because it's causing you a lot of stress you don't need. But I don't think it's not...

Let me start by saying, the problem isn't you, and I'm not just saying that. Dating, hookups, and everything in between is HARD. I appreciate how aware you're being of not coming off a certain way to girls you meet at the club, but there are certainly respectful non-creepy ways to ask someone if the...

Hi truly-bluely, welcome to the boards! I'm sorry you're dealing with dysphoria, it can be a very uncomfortable and painful thing but we can talk about ways to work through the feelings, especially the anxiety attached to it. There's a few questions I have in order to give you the best support, star...

Here are some pieces on our site you can read, let us know if they resonate or if you have more questions about this or about the articles: Healing and dealing with triggers and fears as a male sexual abuse survivor If Guys are Coerced by Girls, Is It Still Sexual Abuse? Blinders Off: Getting a Good...

Yes, any time you do not consent or did not want a sexual encounter to happen, that is sexual assault - more importantly, if it feels to you like it was. Consent must always be verbal, so there's also that. Here is a piece from our site that will answer your question more in depth, please let us kno...

Hi Vic, welcome to the boards! First I want to say that your trauma is real and valid, even if it feels irrational at times, it isn't and it's okay if the healing from it isn't linear. I'm so glad you're doing better, and it's understandable that you'd still be a bit uncomfortable even talking about...

The thing is, there's not a one-size-fits-all way to experience attraction, so when people say attraction and emotions build up over time, it isn't a rule of thumb but rather it's a common experience for some people. Other people can experience attraction right away, but only in some cases (it's nor...

Hi BuddyBoi21, I can definitely appreciate that you're being mindful and self aware enough to say "you know what, I might not be fully ready to have a friendship with them" and do what's best for you; same goes for moving on. I know you know this, but I will never stop reminding you that y...

We will not answer ANY questions about pregnancy fear or anxiety in our direct services from users who are not pregnant or who are not or have not otherwise been directly involved with an actual pregnancy. Please do not post this kind of question. If you are seeing this text, and your thread is lock...

Hi Astra, I'm so glad to hear you're feeling so great about your sexual attraction, it's always okay (and encouraged!) to feel positive and confident in our sexuality, no matter what it is. So kudos!

Got it. Did she give you any suggestions or advice that has helped? And did the article from the first post have any helpful info or anything that resonated with your situation?

Hi msnvrms, welcome to the boards. That does sound very frustrating, it's not a great feeling when our body and mind don't align and can be quite confusing. Have there been changes in your life since right around when this started happening, such as mood changes (depression, anxiety, etc), changes i...

Hi Dabeda, welcome to the boards! What you're describing (manual sex) has a low risk of STI transmission, but certain infections are possible. If you experience any symptoms, or want to for peace of mind, you can get STI tested at your doctor's office or a clinic; however, the short answer is that i...

Hi Babygirlbambi, welcome to the boards! I'm sorry you're feeling like you should give up on finding a relationship - I'll start by saying, you deserve a happy, stable, healthy relationship and those don't always come easily to everyone. It does take a lot of tries for some of us, and that's okay! C...