[Road_to_recovery]

Do any other ladies out there deal with these feelings? I have been told by two different therapists that my previous relationship was emotionally abusive, I wonder if that is at the root. I am getting increasingly anxious and tense when I have to interact with men. Which is terrible because I am in a customer oriented job. I don't understand why I almost get a sick feeling even when a man compliments me! I somehow managed to get married but the anxiety just keeps getting worse. I'm just curious if any one else has dealt with similar feelings.

[A Red Panda]

Sometimes. I trust my instincts when it comes to men, and I have a knack for drawing the creepy ones - I think they either view me as vulnerable, naive, or desperate, who knows. So... if I get a vibe from some man I become instantly on alert and get really nervous.

[BreezyB]

Yes, I absolutely know how you feel. I was raped by someone very close to me and have also been in a few abusive relationships. I feel very uneasy around men. There are certain ones I feel I can trust my instincts around, though.

[PrairieCat]

You ain't the only one! I've had my share of two awful marriages and many terrible relationships where at the time I was attracted to 'broken people' (read broken men) because I thought I was also broken. Boy, have I learned a lot from all that. Don't know if I'll ever have another relationship with a man, mainly 'cause I'm old now. But, boy am I good at this now and it would be cool if I could just meet an intelligent and decent man to have coffee and talk with, just a companion. No more embarrassments for me! Would like to eventually frequent art galleries and museums again, unlikely to meet drinkers there perchance.

[Road_to_recovery]

I'm glad I'm not alone. I used to be good at trusting my instincts but not so much anymore. I guess that's why I get so panicky, even if a man is just friendly. Like you guys there are some that I trust but otherwise my guard is always up

[pisces22]

I'm very paranoid around men as well and always on the look out. I've never been abused but I've been followed a couple of times on the street by men and it is extremely scary.

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[Bells129]

Yes I feel like this too. I think mine stems from abuse as a child from several boys in my school, and also from growing up with some very sexist, misogynistic men who had a disturbing outlook on women...it's given me an intense dislike of men. I think even just looking at certain murder/rape statistics can put a huge fear in you of men too.

[justaguy14]

Wow, I am so sorry to hear these kind of stories. As the father of a girl, I will do everything in my power to make sure she has good self esteem and is never abused in that way.

I wish all of you ladies the best and just remember that most men are abusive scum bags.