Before my girlfriend and I got together, we were good friends for three years, so we know each other very well. I confessed to her recently and she happily accepted. (I should mention that we are each other's first boyfriend/girlfriend.) She's quite shy, but a really sweet girl. The awkwardness comes with the kissing. The very first time, it was really sweet, and we both enjoyed it.

The only problem is our friends- they're always innuendo-ing that we should get together and loose our virginity and so-on. We're both mature enough at 20 and 21 to know that it's just a joke. A few weeks before I got together with her, one of my friends gave me a couple of condoms as a friendly joke, and I accepted, thinking 'it'll never happen.' I wasn't looking for any action in that way, but I thought I should keep them 'in case'. My girlfriend recently found out about this, and I think it terrified her, as I'm not the type of guy to take advantage of a girl. I explained the situation to her, and I believed she accepted it.

But ever since then, she's been really awkward when I try to kiss her. I'm always the one to initiate it, and I feel like I'm putting pressure on her. She's not comfortable kissing in public either, but I think that's down to first-boyfriend-jitters. We're very close otherwise, cuddling together, innocent flirting and so forth, but I believe she's thinking I only want one thing- And that's not the case. I'd never do anything to force her.

Does anyone have any advice on how to make it less awkward for us? I just want to kiss her without making her think that it has to lead somewhere else. :( Any help?

Some people are just not comfortable with showing that much affection in public. Try not to think there is anything more to it than that. Since she shows affection when she is alone with you, she obviously cares about you. Hold her hand, put an arm around her, etc. and respect her desire not to kiss in public.

Since you feel she believes your explanation regarding the condoms, try to let it go. She may have felt uncomfortable when she heard about it, but with you not making any advances in that direction, she will likely become comfortable again.

If the comments by your friends are adding to this discomfort or making things more awkward, maybe have a chat with them to ask them to ease off. Hopefully they are good enough friends to respect your request.

Hmm... I never thought of it that way... As I said, neither of us has ever been in a relationship before, so we don't really know what to do. I know, we should just go with what's natural for us, but... It's hard when both of us are clueless. ^_^

Yes, God forbid if I would try and kiss my wife in public,

Only she can tell you what the issue is. You need to tell her that you know something's up and you want an explanation.

Just back off for a time, and let her get comfortable again. She may be scared, and that takes some time. What's the hurry? When she is ready she will kiss you probably, but for now, back off.

Be the concerned gentleman you say you are.