Seeking advice
Posted: Mon Jan 25, 2016 10:47 pm
Dear Scarleteam,
I'm writing to ask for help with something I've been struggling for a while. I am in my early twenties and am currently dating a wonderful guy who I've been with for 2.5 years. Almost two years ago, I realized for the first time that I was also attracted to women. Since then, I've been on a long, anxiety-ridden journey of trying to accept myself and come to terms with my sexual orientation and identity - it's still a work in progress. Last year, I told my boyfriend that I might be bisexual, and he was very supportive. I later also told a few (though not all) members of my family.
Though I thought identifying as bisexual would be enough to alleviate my anxiety, I've still been struggling. This is in part because I'm still, in some ways, questioning and getting to know my attractions. I have come to realize that I may be attracted to men and women in different ways. My boyfriend and I are in a long distance relationship, and committed to one another. Since this relationship has become serious, I often feel anxious/confused/scared because I'm worried I'll never have the opportunity to explore my bisexuality, and will therefore feel repressed or resentful in the future, if I stay in this relationship long-term. I'm admittedly very curious about being with a woman, especially since I suspect I might have a stronger sexual attraction toward them. At the same time, I don't want to lose the amazing relationship my boyfriend and I have worked so hard to build. We are best friends, and have a super supportive friendship and romantic relationship. He's well aware of my conflicted feelings, and has encouraged me to take time to figure things out at my own pace. We haven't seriously considered opening up the relationship or anything like that - I'm not sure that's something I'm ready for or interested in, although I'm not necessarily opposed to it either.
My anxiety over my own sexuality has become a fairly pervasive part of my day-to-day life (though some days are definitely better or worse than others) and I find myself avoiding women who I might find attractive because I'm scared of being attracted to them or developing a crush on them. I've come to realize that I see my bisexuality as a threat to my relationship because it means I have desires that may not be fulfilled in this current relationship, and this idea/feeling has caused me a lot of distress. I'd love some advice on how to deal with exploring one's changing or emerging sexuality within the context of a serious relationship. Thanks so much in advance for your help!
I'm writing to ask for help with something I've been struggling for a while. I am in my early twenties and am currently dating a wonderful guy who I've been with for 2.5 years. Almost two years ago, I realized for the first time that I was also attracted to women. Since then, I've been on a long, anxiety-ridden journey of trying to accept myself and come to terms with my sexual orientation and identity - it's still a work in progress. Last year, I told my boyfriend that I might be bisexual, and he was very supportive. I later also told a few (though not all) members of my family.
Though I thought identifying as bisexual would be enough to alleviate my anxiety, I've still been struggling. This is in part because I'm still, in some ways, questioning and getting to know my attractions. I have come to realize that I may be attracted to men and women in different ways. My boyfriend and I are in a long distance relationship, and committed to one another. Since this relationship has become serious, I often feel anxious/confused/scared because I'm worried I'll never have the opportunity to explore my bisexuality, and will therefore feel repressed or resentful in the future, if I stay in this relationship long-term. I'm admittedly very curious about being with a woman, especially since I suspect I might have a stronger sexual attraction toward them. At the same time, I don't want to lose the amazing relationship my boyfriend and I have worked so hard to build. We are best friends, and have a super supportive friendship and romantic relationship. He's well aware of my conflicted feelings, and has encouraged me to take time to figure things out at my own pace. We haven't seriously considered opening up the relationship or anything like that - I'm not sure that's something I'm ready for or interested in, although I'm not necessarily opposed to it either.
My anxiety over my own sexuality has become a fairly pervasive part of my day-to-day life (though some days are definitely better or worse than others) and I find myself avoiding women who I might find attractive because I'm scared of being attracted to them or developing a crush on them. I've come to realize that I see my bisexuality as a threat to my relationship because it means I have desires that may not be fulfilled in this current relationship, and this idea/feeling has caused me a lot of distress. I'd love some advice on how to deal with exploring one's changing or emerging sexuality within the context of a serious relationship. Thanks so much in advance for your help!