Hard to move shifter..Please help!!

Hello all!

Having trouble with my 1999 Civic LX - automatic (base model sedan).
The problem is that its getting hard to move the shifter from Park to Reverse (gears). I'm able to press the button easily but I need to put some muscle into it. And its hard all the way until it gets into reverse, from then on it moves freely between the gears. Moving back to Park is also difficult.

Also between Park and Reverse, the shifter arm kinda settles, as if it were on a gear but it actually isn't (plus no light is displayed in the gauge cluster saying which gear I am in).

I'm getting worried because since the problem started 3 weeks ago, it has gotten worse/harder.

Please help!!
Liz