guys are fragile, despite the false media images in films and tv. I am terrified of being hurt also. I have had delusions that a woman liked me, when in reality, she did not. I am cautious about assuming about the feelings of another, as a result. It hurt too much for me to try that again. I look for strong woman who are honest about how they feel and that can say NO very easily. My wife felt that sometimes she needed to just please me, and that was her only obligation. This hurt because I and all men, have emotions and feel just as deeply as women. We cope with these emotions by self soothing and bonding with each other as friends. I've learned to never expect a woman to be attracted or be affectionate toward me. I enjoy it when it is there, but if not, I still need to cope. For a guy to extend affection toward you, i'm sure he would be afraid you might laugh accidently or be disgusted. This is a painful experience for men. We protect ourselves against it. I hope this helps. Brook.