I can testify firsthand of the importance of physical touch as I was denied any for a number of years due to my living situation. Now I live alone, divorced, separated from family, but am trying to rebuild a community around myself. I have the best massage therapist in the world who provides a wonderful and sensual level of touch that has become vital to my overall wellbeing. Add to that a few friends to hug and I am doing better and feel healthier than I have in a long time. Great topic, dear Clint.
Clint, Funny you should talk about this today. I just the other day became aware that my tough/hug quota has not been being met. Since my Gregory passes, and we were very touchy/feely, I miss the pysicality of the relationship. I am content on living and being alone but turns out the inate need to be touched continues, even after ten years of Gregory's absence.
I have my cat and we do a lot of touching. Her soft fur and the purring beneath it meet some of my needs. My massage therapist, weekly hour massages, help also. Whenever I get together with friends, the visits are always begun with a hug.
What is not being met are anonymous hugs, if you know what I mean. Will need to think about that one. I am currently attending physical therapy session for a bad knee. One of the stretches involves lying on the side of the therapy table and letting the outside leg hand over for 20 seconds. When I first did this, it was too painful so the male physical therapist held it at the point where the pain stopped. It was NOT sexual, maybe sensual, maybe inherently human but as he was supporting my leg, I realized it felt good to be touched by a stranger.
I do not want to return to anonymous sex, no GRINDER, no bathhouses, bar back rooms, not public toilets. I do not need to "get off". Rather I need to be touched, be hugged, be held. I wonder if there is a "Hold Me Close Club" or organization at which I could sign up ... or maybe I'll just get another cat?
Fondly, Michael
P.S. You might see this as an upcoming post on my Substack 🤪
Oh, I get you, Mr. Horvich. As a demi-demisexual, if I could find someone(s) I could regularly just hug and kiss and recharge, I might be happy for the rest of my life. Other things I can take care of myself. :-p Look forward to reading more of your thoughts on the subject…. Cheers!
I so agree with touch. I have a friend who works part-time where I shop. Sometimes he looks so tired or has a bad day. I will hug him and at first he seemed hesitant. Now I know he actually enjoys that closeness. I wonder if he truly needs that male touch.
I suspect he does. As a society, I worry we’ve overcorrected for “bad” touch so much that we’ve thrown baby out with the bath water. “Good” touch affirms us and our humanity. Your friend is lucky to have you and your hugs.
Long Virtual Hugs for you Clint 🤗
Hugs to you Clint🌈🍰🥐🌹
Yea, verily!
I can testify firsthand of the importance of physical touch as I was denied any for a number of years due to my living situation. Now I live alone, divorced, separated from family, but am trying to rebuild a community around myself. I have the best massage therapist in the world who provides a wonderful and sensual level of touch that has become vital to my overall wellbeing. Add to that a few friends to hug and I am doing better and feel healthier than I have in a long time. Great topic, dear Clint.
Thanks, Bob. And glad to hear you’re finding what you need to thrive! Cheers….
Clint, Funny you should talk about this today. I just the other day became aware that my tough/hug quota has not been being met. Since my Gregory passes, and we were very touchy/feely, I miss the pysicality of the relationship. I am content on living and being alone but turns out the inate need to be touched continues, even after ten years of Gregory's absence.
I have my cat and we do a lot of touching. Her soft fur and the purring beneath it meet some of my needs. My massage therapist, weekly hour massages, help also. Whenever I get together with friends, the visits are always begun with a hug.
What is not being met are anonymous hugs, if you know what I mean. Will need to think about that one. I am currently attending physical therapy session for a bad knee. One of the stretches involves lying on the side of the therapy table and letting the outside leg hand over for 20 seconds. When I first did this, it was too painful so the male physical therapist held it at the point where the pain stopped. It was NOT sexual, maybe sensual, maybe inherently human but as he was supporting my leg, I realized it felt good to be touched by a stranger.
I do not want to return to anonymous sex, no GRINDER, no bathhouses, bar back rooms, not public toilets. I do not need to "get off". Rather I need to be touched, be hugged, be held. I wonder if there is a "Hold Me Close Club" or organization at which I could sign up ... or maybe I'll just get another cat?
Fondly, Michael
P.S. You might see this as an upcoming post on my Substack 🤪
Oh, I get you, Mr. Horvich. As a demi-demisexual, if I could find someone(s) I could regularly just hug and kiss and recharge, I might be happy for the rest of my life. Other things I can take care of myself. :-p Look forward to reading more of your thoughts on the subject…. Cheers!
I so agree with touch. I have a friend who works part-time where I shop. Sometimes he looks so tired or has a bad day. I will hug him and at first he seemed hesitant. Now I know he actually enjoys that closeness. I wonder if he truly needs that male touch.
I suspect he does. As a society, I worry we’ve overcorrected for “bad” touch so much that we’ve thrown baby out with the bath water. “Good” touch affirms us and our humanity. Your friend is lucky to have you and your hugs.
Touch (or a lack of it) impacts my personal fuel tank in ways that are evident to those around me.
You know I concur, dear Jim. Hugs give me life. And hopefully my hugs do the same for others. The alternating currents of love and affection.