Intimacy Freak-Out & Gay Men: Part One

By Brian Rzepczynski. Posted on Apr 3rd 2011.

Gaining a better understanding about "intimacy issues"...

"Intimacy freak-out." You've seen it before. You've probably encountered it during your dating escapades. It happens when things seem to be going famously with that special guy you've been dating, and when things start getting just a little bit serious, BAM! He disappears, never to be heard from again, for no apparent reason. Or those men who will have sex with you, but they refuse to kiss you during foreplay and then they're immediately clothed and out the door faster than a speeding bullet after they've had their climax.

Or perhaps you're in a long-term relationship and your partner isn't a real big fan of cuddling or showing displays of affection. He seems distant, aloof, "cut off" from you at times. Or maybe you, yourself, struggle with detachment from your lover or have been told by him that you're "too needy and clingy."

More from YourTango: Intimacy Freak-Out & Gay Men: Part Two

Welcome to the wonderful world of "intimacy issues!" Intimacy deficits are a phenomenon and common cause or symptom of relationship problems in both gay and straight partnerships. It's been called a "man thing", but gay men can be particularly vulnerable to "intimacy freak-out", and Part 1 of this two-part article series will address the reasons behind this and help you gain a better understanding of the dynamics involved in intimacy in gay relationships.

More from YourTango: The First Date: Assessing His Boyfriend Potential

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Brian Rzepczynski

Counselor/Therapist

Dr. Brian Rzepczynski, Licensed Relationship Coach, is The Gay Love Coach: “I work with gay men who are ready to create a road map that will lead them to find and build a lasting partnership with Mr. Right.” To sign up for the FREE Gay Love Coach Newsletter filled with dating, relationship, and sexual enrichment tips and skills for gay singles and couples, as well as to check out current coaching groups, programs, and teleclasses, please visit http://www.TheGayLoveCoach.com

Location: Aurora, IL

Credentials: LCSW, MSW, Other

Specialties: Couples/Marital Issues, Dating/Being Single Support, Gay/Lesbian/Identity Issues, Sex Therapy

Other Articles/News by Brian Rzepczynski:

Intimacy Freak-Out & Gay Men: Part Two

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This is the second installment in a 2-part article series about struggles with intimacy that are relatively common in gay relationships. In Part 1 of the series, "intimacy freak-out" was defined and the reasons why gay men are prone to this phenomenon were discussed. This article will address some of the common intimacy fears that could block your ... Read more

The First Date: Assessing His Boyfriend Potential

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Let me paint you a picture. . . You sit on the lumpy lounge chair at the coffee shop, sipping your cappuccino while trying to look occupied reading today's local newspaper, your eyes periodically shifting to the front door of the shop, hoping to catch a quick glance of the man you'll be meeting for the first time. You've had a million first ... Read more

Gay Dating Tactics: Your First Date Do's & Don'ts

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INTRODUCTION Nothing gets the heart pumping quite like the nervous anticipation that goes along with going out on a first date with a guy. Whether it's a blind date or someone you're already acquainted with, the first meeting with a dating prospect brings with it a host of emotions, more commonly a mixture of excitement and nervousness. As the ... Read more