Sleeping with someone new after a long term relationship

[ponyprincess101]

I've been with the same partner for 7 years and obviously have not slept with anyone else in that time. He was narcissistic and our relationship ended really badly. It should have ended sooner but I eventually found the strength to leave him. Fast forward to today and I've been seeing a really lovely guy for a while now but we're yet to sleep together. He's been incredibly understanding and has not put any pressure on at all but I really do feel ready to go there with him. I just have some last minute nerves on being in that situation again. It's been such a long time since somebody else has seen and touched my body, I've almost forgotten what it's like.
I think I just need some words of advice/encouragement because I do feel ready. Just nervous - I guess that's normal?

Yup. Totally normal.

I need this advice too xx

I was a year with no sex after my partner died. I had a date with someone I’d known for some time. I was so nervous about having sex again especially as it had been the same person for 20 years before.
However, we are incredibly compatible in bed.
It is also a chance to “reinvent” yourself. I never asked for what I wanted in bed before. I do now. I’ve become much more open and relaxed.

I went 6yrs without and that was after 10yrs of mediocre sex. Like you, I was keen but nervous. Nerves got in the way a bit but not enough to stop it happening again and then it just got better and better. What made the difference was being with someone i liked better than my ex and who liked me too.
If your new partner is as lovely as you say, you'll be fine.

I am a woman and went through this 6 months ago, No sex for 3 years, divorce. Same man for 20 years. Met a woman and we got together. Obviously different sensations of touch on my body. That was all 'easy' and so enjoyable.
The sleeping; that was awkward we both seemed to develop extra knees and elbows, but we started to get used to it and were sleeping better.. We only shared a bed at weekends. Unfortunately it didn't last.

I felt the same, OP. I was married for 20 years, then single for a year with no sex before meeting my DP. I was very nervous about having sex with a new man, oddly in particular about seeing him naked, more so than him seeing me. Anyway he was very understanding and gentle and made my pleasure a priority so I very quickly got over my nerves!

I had this recently, after over 10 years without sex. My body confidence is lower &. it took me a while to get confidence for blow jobs particularly.

I needed a few drinks before & probably am still not good at letting go but it's work in progress.

Thankfully my new sexual partner is considerate & good.

Nerves totally normal in your situation OP.
Just go for it, dive in, be prepared for SOME things to be not quite perfect/as in films - no big deal if it isn't - renewed practice with a good partner will make things better maybe even practice makes near-perfect.
He may be nervous as well of course (we don't know anything about him) - if he has the nerves when you get down to it be understanding with him as well.

@ponyprincess101 Hope you had a good time with him.