42 and the penny has dropped

by Sparks
(UK)

I'm a 42 year old male and have recently read about tactile defensiveness and the penny has dropped as to why i have had dozens and dozens of girlfriends but spent a lot of my life avoiding intimate relationships. I tend to want to run and avoid when they get to the stage of intimacy and touch.

It was not untill my current relationship which went from being housemates to 'going out' that I realised why my stress levels go through the roof when touch and intimacy come into the picture. I also have always tolerated snogging/ kissing but generally have generally at a certain point opted out and avoided.

I am at the stage of looking to for help - I am having counselling but to be honest not sure how helpful it is going to be.