In love with an haphephobic.

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Hello, I've decided to post my current love tale because I want to talk about it, and maybe get people's opinions on things.

I am in love with a man with whom I have mutual understanding with. However, he has the fear of touch; haphephobia. From what I remember him telling me, it was due to child abuse.

He craves being touched yet his phobia is like a wooden stick shoved into a turning wheel. It's also causing him to have panic attacks if it's too overwhelming. A few minutes ago from writing this post, we talked on Skype and he was feeling sick.

Someone at his workplace, a female, hugged him without warning and consent. Even though he pulled away as a sign of not wanting to do anything with her display of afftection and tried to verbally refuse, she grabbed his hand telling him that he's playing hard to get. To me, it's considered harrassment in the workplace.

I admit, I'm pretty pissed. Not only because a girl dared to flirt with him but also ignored the clear hint he gave off in body language that he did not want to be hugged. The worst is, I cannot do a lot to help him, due to the distance (he's currently working in another country, suppose to get back in May).

He may not really show emotions of love because he probably doesn't know how to but, I really don't mind it. I'm not also the type of person that is needy with physical contact or sex craved. Having him around me to talk and share our joys, sorrows and pain is plenty enough.

He also does not fully trust me yet and this is something I have to earn with tremendous effort. To be honest, it's the first time I have to work to earn someone's trust and I find it rather intriguing. I wonder how I will do...

That sounds indeed pretty nice to have someone that appreciates you more than others while being able to relate to common issues.

I do worry a bit, since his mind and thoughts are much more deeper down in the dark, while I, on the other hand, try to see a more positive aspect of things. However, it doesn't always work, mind you. I think this is the only thing that makes us different somehow and I hope it won't cause too much negative sparks between he and I.

Aa... maybe I worry for nothing... I was told I worry too much. ^^;

I guess she didn't know but the fact that she kept persisting after him is what kind of made me angry.

I'm not that great of a person but thanks. I really care for this man and want to help him as much as I can, without freaking him out of course.

That sort of brings up this question:

What can I do to help him get used to touching, even if just a little bit?