Started dating a man with HSV1, he’s 50 and has had it since he was a teen. He’s a really great guy. He was extremely patient with me about waiting to have sex, explained the risks (though, he’s never infected anyone) and mentioned that all of his prior relationships have been without condoms (but unprotected sex has only in monogamous relationships). He also made a point of saying that there would be times when we wouldn’t be able to do anything (implying this would be the case during an outbreak).
We finally slept together - it was great, and soon after our first time together, we stopped using condoms (I understand the risks). After one particularly great session, I made a comment that “we should f*ck all the time!” - which was truly just an attempt at expressing how much I enjoyed it (perhaps inartfully). He didn’t respond right away, but eventually did saying something like, “yeah that would be nice.” I didn’t think anything of it until the next morning when he was unusually distant.
We made small talk over coffee in the morning, but he seemed a bit preoccupied. At one point, I could have sworn I heard him say, “that’s why I love ya” in response to something I said (which I honestly can't remember what it was I said) - but it wasn’t clear, sort of mumbled, and I immediately assumed I misunderstood and it was just my ears playing tricks on me, because we’ve only been dating a little over 2 months, so I didn’t react to what he said - whatever it was.
He remains distant, almost hesitant or cautious, in his communication with me and I haven't seen him since that morning. I suggested plans for the following weekend and he said he had family stuff and couldn't. He’s still initiating contact, but not making plans to see me, and it feels less flirty. Before this happened, we would always see each other at least once a week. It will be two weeks since the incident this weekend, and no indication that he would like to see me.
My question is, was my comment about “f*cking all the time” insensitive or triggering in any way to someone with HSV1? It truly didn’t occur to me when I said it, that I was saying it to someone who has had to approach sex differently from someone without the virus, and that it may have given him the impression that I’m only interested in him as a casual sex partner. I plan to talk to him, but have been trying to give him his space at the moment. I also want to make sure that when I do speak to him, that I do so with compassion and understanding. This is all very new to me, and I don’t want to screw this up.
He’s been open, honest and up to this point, hasn’t held back from sharing his feelings for me. Of course, it’s also possible that I freaked him out because he thought I was trying to trap him in relationship too soon. I honestly don’t know. I would normally ask friends for advice, but I won’t betray his confidence by revealing such personal information about him.
TLDR; was my comment about wanting to sleep with HSV1 guy “all the time” a triggering statement? Any gut reactions and advice from the people on this forum would be greatly appreciated.