Ever since I was like 6 1/2, I've been afraid of men [back then, it was older men]. When my mom got re-married, I was afraid to stay home alone with my stepdad. It's not like I actually had a reason for my phobia, he never did anything! But even from such a young age, I used to imagine how he was going to hurt me, I think I even thought he might rape me. As time went on, I began to focus on other men in my life, like my male swim coaches, my male teachers, etc, since I already trusted that my stepdad isn't going to do anything. During adolescence, I was always afraid to let my dad, my actual dad, to get close to me. You know, like the typical father's daughter? Yepp, didn't happen for me. I even didn't like when my dad would kiss me on the cheek [it's a Russian tradition to greet & say good-bye with kisses on alternating cheeks.] I think this may even be why I'm so distant in relationships. Does anyone else experience this or can give me some advice as to what the heck this is?