h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Hi, OI

I can relate to the way you're feeling, as I was sexually assaulted when I was 15. It had a huge effect on the way I see myself, it still does to some extent. For me, it made me feel like less of a person, like something to be used and then thrown away. Please do know that you are a special and worthwhile person, and deserve to be loved.

All I can do is reiterate what Willem and Richenda have said about not rushing things, and moving at a comfortable pace. It's understandable that you'll have serious personal space issues, I certainly do, and if you try to "force" things to move along, you'll wind up feeling violated again. You don't want to feel this way with someone you love and care about. Do take small steps, and trust me, if your boyfriend loves you, he wouldn't want you to do anything that made you feel distant and withdrawn. It really sucks withdrawing emotionally and going through the motions when you want so much to feel close to someone.

It's very brave of you to be able to talk about what happened to you, it took me years to muster up that kind of courage. It's still really hard to talk about, and I admire you for being able to. I'd love to talk with you more and see if we can help each other. Thank you so much for being here and sharing with us... and I'm always here to talk to if you need to.

I read your post and absolutely agree with what you have written I do indeed feel like that.

So have you been thinking about things, have you been doing a bit of self-checking, have you made any decisions, how are things going with you now?