How did Gallimard get to this point?

Like Chrissie, I also question Gallimard and his overall outlook towards himself, women, and the relationship between the two. From the very beginning we learn that Gallimard has self-esteem issues. He says he’s not good looking and he’s not very smart, and based on other moments throughout the first act, it is safe for us as readers to believe him. This honesty right from the get go, I believe, makes Gallimard endearing.
Then, as Caylin pointed out, things get to be a bit uncomfortable - specifically the moment with the pinup girl and the description of Gallimard’s first sexual experience. Though
Gallimard responds somewhat shyly in each of these instances, the fact that the majority of this play is being told by Gallimard means that they remain at the forefront of his mind.
They also have obviously influenced his perceptions of women. That and his love for Puccini’s Madama Butterfly: When he meets Song, because she’s “oriental”, he believes she will be submissive towards him. This is appealing to him because, as previously mentioned, Gallimard has never been in control in any relationship with any woman that has ever come into his life.
This is all well and good. Sure, it makes sense. But I feel as though there is still something missing in the story of Gallimard. It seems as though his issues with women stem from his issues with himself, his self esteem. But where did these issues come from? I remember that at some point this play will jump back to the year 1947. Personally, I am hoping that at that point we will learn more about Gallimard’s past: where and why and how he became this lost man with this strange sense of self.