A Taboo Subject

My purpose of the following post is not to offend anyone or to come across as lewd. This is a forum where one can remain relatively anonymous and I truly have no one with whom I can discuss this. If this is not the proper place for this kind of question, can someone kindly point me in the right direction?

I suffer from agoraphobia, am single, almost 40 years old and live with my parent. I am unable to walk 50 feet from the front door to the mailbox at the street. I have tried various forms of therapies/medications over the last 10 years and I am convinced that unless a miracle occurs, this is how I will spend the rest of my days.

With that said, I will get to the gist of this post: I have not experienced intimate human contact (hugging, hand holding, cuddling, etc) in over 20 years and the lack of intimacy is taking its toll on me (as it would most any other human being). My question is: Can a person who suffers from this affliction find a mate? Am I doomed to a life of celibacy? This is one aspect of this disease that doesn't seem to get much attention.

I would say a whore is your best bet.

I think you're putting your cart in front of your horse.
You should never stop believing in a cure, even if one would seem "miraculous". You've got to keeping working towards a solution. Then, you can date like any normal person would.

If you believe you'll never get better you never will.

I have social phobia and agoraphobia. I can leave my house now but I use to not even be able to leave the front door for months on end.

I have had a successful relationship for nearly 4 years. I met said hubby on the internet. of course being able to meet him in person took a long, well thought out process but by the time i wanted to meet him I felt I knew him more so than I had known anyone else, ever.I have no friends in 'real life' I do however have friends on the internet at this has kept me from complete insanity and despair. it's worth a try anyway...you never know BTW i wouldn't really go with dating sites to find people as they are much more likely to be wanting to meet up with you and less likely to want to hold meaningful conversations. I met people on forums about things i was interested in. good luck

Hey Stew..

Im 25 yr old female and have been diagnosed with Agoraphobia and Anxiety/Panick Disorder..So, I understand what you mean by not being able to date or have a relationship with another person. The only outlet I have right now is alcohol. I know it sounds bad, but I have a few beers and i feel "normal".. I dont get completely drunk or anything, just a few to give my brain a rest. This is only a temporary solution to the situation (VERY temporary).. and Its only "socially acceptable" on the weekends really. Im already 25 so i know this cant go on for much longer or It'll prob start to look bad.. Im not reccomending this as a solution but a quick fix... yea. It's prob one of the only things that has kept me sane and apart of any human contact. Good Luck...and just remember, theres someone out there for everyone!