article_snippet: I'm 48 now, and I've been struggling with this anxiety for decades, even though I'm very happily married. '
article_snippet: First I remembered a time, age 13, in the school changing room putting my shorts on while I was still wearing my long winter coat.
article_snippet: Growing up I realise more girls asked me out than vice versa, I must have been reasonably attractive - but I never knew it. '
article_snippet: By age 18 I was suffering openly from other (young) men laughing at myself in the locker room or at the urinal.
article_snippet: I became very shy to the extent that I'd find reasons to put off "that first time" with girlfriends that I did have. '
article_snippet: I worked hard and I was successful in every other way, but I had zero self respect.
article_snippet: And I was very, very bad at sex.
article_snippet: because I never dared practice enough and I never believed I could be anything other than abysmal in that department. '
article_snippet: Thankfully, after only 17 years my wife has taught me differently! '