FEAR THESAURUS

SEX



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HELPFUL TIP:

A deeply embedded fear often stems from trauma, so it can be helpful to explore emotional wounds that may be a factor. Your character might also become risk-averse, avoiding people and situations they associate with this fear. And for a character to achieve their story goal, they must overcome any fear-based thinking that's holding them back. The Character Builder is a great resource for pulling all these factors together.
NOTES:
Sex is one of the most intimate means of human connection, so some anxiety surrounding it is normal. But deeper fears can easily develop in this area because of its intimate nature and the vulnerability involved. When this happens, the character may seek to avoid something that should be natural, pleasurable, and a means to grow in intimacy with others.

WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE:
Having little to no interest in sex
Not engaging in conversations around sex
Hesitancy towards romantic relationships
Avoiding romantic or erotic movies
Turning down dates
Taking a vow of celibacy
The character making themselves undesirable (dressing down, covering exposed skin, slouching, etc.)
Responding coldly or awkwardly to flirting
The character showing signs of discomfort when they're with someone who expresses romantic interest
Intentionally sabotaging relationships
Making excuses for not having sex
Shying away from being touched
Having to self-medicate to engage in sexual activity
Nervousness about showing skin or taking off clothes (going swimming, wearing tank tops, etc.)
Being triggered by pornography
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COMMON INTERNAL STRUGGLES:
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FLAWS THAT MAY EMERGE:
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HINDRANCES AND DISRUPTIONS TO THE CHARACTER'S LIFE:
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EMOTIONAL WOUNDS IT COULD STEM FROM:
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SCENARIOS THAT MIGHT AWAKEN THIS FEAR :
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HUMAN NEEDS THAT COULD BE IMPACTED:
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GOALS MADE DIFFICULT BY THIS FEAR:
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CONFLICT SCENARIOS THAT OFFER GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES:
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