Okay, so to clarify: my girlfriend (18F) and I (18M) are both virgins, and I want to become more intimate, but not all the way. I’m thinking about taking small steps beyond what we already do. We already make out and are comfortable touching each other, and she’s expressed that she likes what we have now.
I’ve been feeling like this for a few weeks and haven’t asked her about it. I’m wondering if there’s a good way to bring up the topic of exploring more physical intimacy, in a gradual and respectful way, without making her uncomfortable or getting shot down immediately.
We’re both young, and I think it’s natural to want to explore, but I want to make sure I communicate in a way that respects her boundaries. Any advice on how to start that conversation would be really helpful.