(NSFW): Advice for handling a college relationship with no physical component?

Hi all,

I’m in college and have just had a date with a boy who I think I like quite a bit. I see this potentially going somewhere.

The problem is that I am in no place to have a physical romantic relationship right now. I am currently experiencing a complication of a rather personal nature from some previous surgeries. I have pain and slight disfigurement in private areas. I am also experiencing symptoms that most anyone would consider “gross” and I don’t feel comfortable opening myself up to anybody physically, at all.

I know I’m getting ahead of myself here, but I’m inexperienced with relationships and I’m nervous about being a “tease.” He has given me no indication that he expects any kind of physical component, but it still feels like sort of an elephant in the room in a college relationship, and I’d hate to lead him on.

I could be direct with him right away, but I feel that by saying it so early, I would be implying a suspicion that he’s only interested in me for sex, and I don’t think that about him at all.

What do the wise jellies of fluther think? Any words of advice appreciated. Thanks all.