Many LGBTQ+ people grow up without the same opportunities to openly explore attraction, dating, flirting, and relationships that heterosexual people are often able to experience more freely from a young age. For a lot of queer people, attraction became something hidden, monitored, or kept private rather than something safely explored in the open.
Over time, this can affect confidence, intimacy, dating, and even the ability to recognise when somebody is genuinely interested in us. Some people find themselves second guessing signals, missing moments of connection entirely, or struggling to trust attention and affection when it’s offered.
In this video, I explore how growing up in a heterosexual world can impact LGBTQ+ relationship development, dating experiences, emotional safety, and how we can miss romantic signals and connection in adulthood. I also talk about the idea of “missing signals” and why many queer people are still catching up on experiences they were never safely allowed to have growing up. If this resonates with your own experiences of dating, intimacy, or connection, I’d really encourage you to watch the video.
If any of this resonates with you and you’d like support exploring it further, I offer LGBTQ+ affirming therapy both online and in person from my practice in Manchester city centre. You’re welcome to get in touch to arrange a free 15 minute introductory call.
