Every time I think about it I'm shocked that we didn't kiss for 10 whole months. I mean, how he did it... I'm not sure!!
But he did it, and it helped my healing process.
If a man is willing to give up the things he really wants for you to heal, he is more than likely the one.
I don't regret any of it, but I do sometimes wish I hadn't been hurt in my past so that he didn't have to feel like I didn't want him. It wasn't him, it was me... and the fact that he was mature enough to know that is such a testament to how amazing of a man he is.
... Read moreYou might be wondering, "How did they really go ten months without a kiss?" Trust me, I still pinch myself thinking about it! When we said "WE DIDN'T KISS FOR 10 MONTHS. HERE'S WHY...", it wasn't a challenge or a game. It was a deeply personal journey rooted in my past experiences. For a long time, the idea of touch and kissing, especially early in a relationship, felt overwhelming. I knew I needed to heal, but I didn't know how to articulate that to someone new.
The pivotal moment was realizing that "I DIDN'T WANT TO" rush into physical intimacy because of lingering past trauma. Instead of pushing for a hot kiss picture or immediate physical connection, my partner truly listened. His respect wasn't just a passive acceptance; it was an active choice to prioritize my comfort and healing above all else. This period of 10 months of dating without a kiss became an unexpected gift. It forced us to build our connection on a foundation far deeper than physical attraction.
We learned to understand each other's humor, fears, dreams, and vulnerabilities through conversations, shared experiences, and simply spending quality time together. True kiss intimacy for us wasn't about the act itself, but about the profound emotional bond that was forming. We spent hours talking, laughing, and building a friendship that felt incredibly solid. This is rarely what people imagine when they think of love at first kiss, but for us, it was a different kind of "first love"—a love built on patience, understanding, and unwavering support.
If you're navigating similar feelings, whether it's about touch, kissing, or any aspect of intimacy in dating, here's what I learned:
Communicate openly: It's scary, but vocalizing your boundaries and needs is crucial. My partner couldn't read my mind, and once I explained my feelings, he was incredibly supportive.
Look for true respect: A partner who genuinely respects your pace, even if it means delaying what they might desire, is a keeper. This is a huge indicator of emotional maturity.
Redefine intimacy: Intimacy isn't solely physical. It's about emotional connection, shared vulnerabilities, and feeling truly seen and safe with another person. We found intimacy in deep conversations, comforting gestures, and mutual respect.
Healing is a process: Don't feel pressured to rush your healing journey for anyone. Your well-being comes first. A truly loving partner will understand that.
The wait can be worth it: When that first kiss finally happened after 10 months of dating, it wasn't just a kiss; it was a culmination of trust, healing, and a bond forged in patience. It was truly magical because it meant so much more. It wasn't about a hot kiss picture for social media; it was about a profound, authentic moment that marked a new chapter.
This experience taught me that real love isn't about ticking boxes or following societal timelines. It's about connection, respect, and letting each other heal and grow at their own pace. And sometimes, the most profound intimacy can blossom before your lips even meet.
I had someone who also respected me, because I was closed off and kept to myself for the same reason, but he thought it was okay to send me explicit pics and try things sexually, and I didn't understand how he could be respectful of my boundaries and cross them at the same time.
this is normal actually...weirdos tried normalizing kissing right away in every relationship when you actually should save your first kiss for wedding day❤️...
I had someone who also respected me, because I was closed off and kept to myself for the same reason, but he thought it was okay to send me explicit pics and try things sexually, and I didn't understand how he could be respectful of my boundaries and cross them at the same time.