My (17f) and my best friend (18m) just recently started dating a few months ago. We have been romantically interested in each other for a while now but were cautious to take that next step. We finally did and things are really good emotionally between us. I'm very happy with him but our relationship is lacking physical affection in a lot of ways. 

I'm his first girlfriend and his first kiss so I can understand why the physical aspect is moving so slow but it's hard when I'm used to being extremely affectionate in past relationships. I feel like he might be unsure because I have had previous relationships and he feels like he has "standards" that he has to live up to. I've addressed this many times and told him that it's new relationship and we are learning together. I don't want him to feel pressured because of that.  I'm not asking for sex, but it would be nice for him to kiss me on the cheek and hold my hand and cuddle with me on the couch. I also want more than just a peck goodbye. We did talk about getting a little more physical a few weeks ago and he said he wants too but doesn't want to push me. He also said that he doesn't want to be physical at all in public because he feels that should be left private. 

His parents had a messy divorce when he was younger and I feel like that may have messed up his view of relationships a little bit. I'm unsure of how to help him along with this without making him feel uncomfortable. I know he's attracted to me and has told me many times but it's almost like he's afraid to embarrass himself. The one time I brought up kissing, he got really upset because he thought I was saying he sucked when I really only said that I wanted to work on it. Is it wrong that I want physical affection/reassurance? Any suggestions on how to help this out?
user
Boyfriend and I have been dating for 4 months. He isn't physically affectionate. It's something new for him, but it's hard for me since I'm used to being very affectionate in past relationships. I'm not asking for sex, but it would be nice for him
assistant
My (17f) and my best friend (18m) just recently started dating a few months ago. We have been romantically interested in each other for a while now but were cautious to take that next step. We finally did and things are really good emotionally between us. I'm very happy with him but our relationship is lacking physical affection in a lot of ways. 

I'm his first girlfriend and his first kiss so I can understand why the physical aspect is moving so slow but it's hard when I'm used to being extremely affectionate in past relationships. I feel like he might be unsure because I have had previous relationships and he feels like he has "standards" that he has to live up to. I've addressed this many times and told him that it's new relationship and we are learning together. I don't want him to feel pressured because of that.  I'm not asking for sex, but it would be nice for him to kiss me on the cheek and hold my hand and cuddle with me on the couch. I also want more than just a peck goodbye. We did talk about getting a little more physical a few weeks ago and he said he wants too but doesn't want to push me. He also said that he doesn't want to be physical at all in public because he feels that should be left private. 

His parents had a messy divorce when he was younger and I feel like that may have messed up his view of relationships a little bit. I'm unsure of how to help him along with this without making him feel uncomfortable. I know he's attracted to me and has told me many times but it's almost like he's afraid to embarrass himself. The one time I brought up kissing, he got really upset because he thought I was saying he sucked when I really only said that I wanted to work on it. Is it wrong that I want physical affection/reassurance? Any suggestions on how to help this out?
user
Boyfriend of 4 months is not giving me physical affection. I feel like he is coming off as a little distant and shy. How do I help him along?
assistant