I'm seeing a guy who hasn't done much dating. I can't tell how much of our dynamic is his lack of familiarity with dating, how much is just differences in our relationship preferences, and how much might be differences in upbringing. So what I need are some tools for figuring that out. Without using the phrase "Love Languages."
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posted by tulip-socks
on Apr 23, 2013 -
45 answers
I love my dog. Every once in a while, I feel utterly heartbroken that I will most likely outlive him. While it doesn't happen often and it's not overwhelming, and I realize that it is perfectly natural to be sad about something like that, can you give me advice about how to turn these thoughts into something positive?
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posted by halogen
on Jan 7, 2013 -
42 answers
I have extreme negative reactions to witnessing public displays of affection (PDA) or overhearing sex (e.g. anger, disgust, heart racing, crying). I get that I need therapy, but what kind should I be looking for?
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posted by Manlee Forresiddy
on Nov 30, 2012 -
11 answers
How do you gently let someone know that they're being too friendly and affectionate with you?
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posted by anonymous
on Mar 24, 2012 -
28 answers
I love my new kitty, Agent Cooper, beyond all reason. He's 1 year old and was a stray, and he's been living with me for a month now. The problem is, he's a biter. I'm pretty sure it's an OH MY GOD I LOVE YOU SO MUCH, CHOMP! kind of bite, but I want to be sure I am reading, and handling, his behavior correctly.
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posted by pazazygeek
on Feb 20, 2012 -
27 answers
He gets to call me "sis," but "bro" is taken by bros. What affectionate term can I call my brother?
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posted by Pwoink
on Nov 29, 2011 -
70 answers
I feel silly asking this, but please help my robotic text messaging style convey more warmth.
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posted by mossicle
on Nov 26, 2011 -
25 answers
RelationshipFilter: Am I asking too much in asking for nonsexual, nonjokey/tickly affection?
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posted by inmyhead
on Jul 16, 2011 -
32 answers
Why is my three year old opposed to affection from certain family members, including his father? Is this typical for his age? Is there anything I can do to make this situation better?
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posted by mudlark
on Jul 14, 2011 -
30 answers
How do I figure out if my SO is a stoic or disinterested? I get relatively minor red flags that may or may not add up to a big one, and I do not want to stay in a relationship with someone who is not as interested in me as I in them. Possibly over-analysis inside.
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posted by Hey nonny nonny mouse
on Nov 4, 2010 -
48 answers
Odd cat behavior question. Can anyone explain to me exactly why one of our cats will simply NOT climb up on me in the bed? Even though she's all over my girlfriend.. it has both of us perplexed. There will be all sorts of background information inside.
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posted by darknemus
on Aug 16, 2010 -
20 answers
How can I be more affectionate? I always worry that any of my attempts at affection come across as clingy, and this probably makes me seem distant. Also: how to let go of my inhibitions, and love hard? I keep worrying about getting hurt, and tell myself that if I don't fall completely in love, then I won't get hurt badly.
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posted by Xere
on Sep 6, 2009 -
10 answers
I've just left a relationship in which I was having great sex, but not experiencing enough non-sexual physical affection from my partner. It really made me aware of how much I need physical contact such as hugs, and knowing that there's a living body near me. How can I get more of that feeling of physical affection without actually hooking up with someone?
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posted by pipstar
on Mar 14, 2009 -
27 answers
I see the world, and
all in it, as something vicious and ready to attack me, and that influences far too much stuff in my life. Help.
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posted by anonymous
on Dec 8, 2008 -
30 answers
My cat demands constant affection. When she doesn't get it she screams and pushes herself against me. It is cute for short periods of time but recently she has become even more vocal and more needy. It's to the point that if I'm on the phone she is screaming in the background. If I have company she is in their face trying to get attention unless I am constantly petting her. How can I help her and help my sanity?
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posted by aburd
on Jun 14, 2008 -
19 answers
What are some good books/essays/articles about human sexuality, sexual and romantic relationships, and sexual or otherwise affection-entangled activity - with an emphasis on the theoretical? I'm thinking more along the lines of
Judith Butler than
The Joy of Sex - so suggestions should be at least vaguely academic. (Things like
Leaves of Grass count as vaguely academic).
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posted by bubukaba
on Mar 10, 2008 -
21 answers
And I will hug him and squeeze him and call him George!
Somewhere I read that there was a specific word in some language to describe the feeling of restraining overwhelming affection because the urge to hug and squeeze with all one's might could actually harm the subject, e.g. puppies, infants, petite girlfriends. I've searched all over with no luck. Ring any bells?
posted by Tubes
on Apr 23, 2007 -
27 answers
[Insecure Female Filter] Help me feel less clingy when asking for affection from or even just displaying it to my more stoic significant other. Back story & lots
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posted by Phire
on Jan 2, 2007 -
17 answers
Just curious. If I am sitting on my couch, or lying on my chair, sometimes my cat will come up to me and bump noses with me. I recognize this as a sign of affection or a friendly greeting. Sometimes, it is a prolonged (4-5 second) nose bump.....Now if I should happen to approach my cat who is an another part of the room, and initiate a nose bump, will my cat look at it as a greeting/ form of affection, or will she be thinking 'what is this guy doing?'... Is it a two way street? Or do they only accept affection in forms of scratching their head and behind their ears?........is the prolonged nose bump their way of being super affectionate? I have researched several websites on cat behavior, but havent found a answer close enough to what i was looking for....
posted by TwilightKid
on Dec 19, 2006 -
43 answers
sameoldrelationshipstuff filter: Like many of us, I have fears about my relationship. Does she really love me? etc. One thing that's starting to drive me crazy is that I want more affection than she wants to give. I know everyone is different, blah blah blah, but just so I can have some perspective, can you guys tell me: how often do you smooch your sweety? Do you tell him you love him every day? Do you expect a hug when he gets home from work? If he asks you for some attention - do you give it to him, or run the other way? Help me understand what is normal - or at least average!
posted by anonymous
on Nov 7, 2006 -
17 answers
I have a female friend who is having a hard time. I'd like to show my affection and support. Unfortunately, I'm a guy, so everything risks to be misread as attempts to hit on her. That's not what I want. Also, I'm not really good at these things. What should I do?
posted by anonymous
on Aug 14, 2006 -
17 answers
