Looking for a of telling him, make it special

[tacoandtequila]

I've been seeing a wonderful man for almost a year and and would like to tell him I'm ready to take the step of sleeping together for the first time. This is kind of a big thing for us. I was in a horrible, abusive relationship a few years before we met. He's always known about that and has never, ever pressured me to do anything I don't want or do anything before I'm ready.
Recently we've been talking about maybe sleeping together, he alluded to the fact that he's ready but doesn't want to do it before I'm ready. So he left it to me to say when I'm ready.
I'm a little shy in telling him or saying "remember that conversation? Well, I'm ready..".
We're going for a mini break in a couple of weeks so I'm thinking that might be a suitable time...How do I tell him? I'm not great as starting such conversations!

You’ve been dating for a year and not been intimate? Not judging, just that it sounds unusually kind to your past trauma.
If you feel too shy to say it to his face, could you send a message, saying you’re really excited about your trip, and looking forward to being alone together and you feel ready for the next step?
Hope you have a wonderful time!

Wow, a year is some patience. Are you planning on him wearing a condom? If so, you could put one on top of the bedside table/ cabinet as a hint, then he'll ask when he sees it. If you haven't fumbled yet, take a variety of sizes if you don't know his dimensions 😉

Have you shared a bed together before, and is that planned for the current trip?. If you don't usually, I was wondering whether that might be a way of bringing it up - could you say (or message) that you are thinking of only booking a single room? (Ot that he should do that if he is the one booking).

I don't want to sound unduly negative, but it would probably be worth you both managing expectations. After such a long wait, it's not impossible he might face some nerves, and attendant performance issues? Or you might in your head want to do it but your body may make a different decision on the night?

It sounds like you have both built up a strong bond, and I am sure that will ease you both through any possible embarrassment about any problems, but I would just try to go into it with the expectation that even deciding to try is an important first step - it may not work perfectly straight away.

He sounds like a good man - I am happy for you you have found someone who respects you so much after your past trauma. Very best of luck!

Don't hint with a condom, state it out loud. He's been so protective of your trauma that you'll need to give explicit "let's get naked and have sex" permission at this point, he certainly won't feel safe 'making a move' with a year of not doing that behind you.
I hope you both enjoy it as it should be enjoyed :)

Maybe send a message if you don't want to say it in person?
Aww have fun OP.
I was with someone who waited 10 months, they definitely exist. And you know they're not just about sex and you've had time to develop a good bond beforehand.