Stupid question about starting to date in your 30s

[MistakenGolfShot]

Is there a middle ground between FWB and marriage?!

I've never dated and also never had any physical intimacy... I've never even held hands with someone. It's getting me down.

The problem is that I don't know what I need or want. Pre-Covid, I met a guy who was lovely. I did like him, and I wished I had had the courage to even try and be a bit more adventurous, but I just didn't feel comfortable enough kissing him to even think about anything else.

At the same time, the thought of getting into something long term scares the shit out of me.

Is this me being too picky?

I think there is a middle ground yes. Years ago people would live apart and date for a long time without moving in together etc but that doesn’t seem to happen now x

Yes, there's lots of things between FWB and marriage: dating, being boyfriend/girlfriend, etc.

You have every right to be picky when it comes to partners. However, I'd say that you might feel more uncomfortable with intimacy if you're inexperienced, which is understandable.

Of course there is

They are just totally different things..the on,y thing in common is having sex.

If you have never had a relationship and I assume never had sex then please don't try going down the FWB route. You need to learn about sex in a relationship,and realise it is more than just the enjoyment of sex but intimacy. I think FWB isn't a good idea for you at this stage