I think we all agree real concrete relationships intimate or otherwise are predicated and founded on trust.

If you're in an intimate relationship and wanting to ask the ANR question but you cant ask because you're afraid then the trust isn't there. (Please allow me to explain) If you're afraid to ask them because they might reject you harshly (whatever constitutes harsh for you everyone is different) then maybe they arnt for you! Now if you're afraid to ask because they might reject you softly (which still hurts by the way but this is healthy) but you still don't ask, then maybe you don't trust them. If thats the case muster the courage to be softly rejected (given you think there's a high chance they will) and ask you won't know otherwise and you don't want to miss it (in this case ANR) and regret not asking a simple question. I realize this isn't a relationship help subreddit sorry if the mods and members think this doesn't belong here.