I just want a hug

[IHopeYouStepOnALegoPiece]

Literally a hug. That’s it.

I’m a big hugger (and a nanny so am always being touched by a small child!) and hugged everyone when I left but other then a hug in October and NYE, I haven’t had a hug. Obviously covid but I moved to another country last October, knowing one person who is an extremely close friend (but we don’t hug, both huggers but weirdly bit with each other) but no one else. I’ve struggled to make friends since being here and haven’t been able to get back to the UK since moving to see any friends or family.

I am so lonely and so desperate for a hug and I don’t know what to do or how to feel better. This feels so ridiculous but I am so sad about it

Sending you a really big one. I know what you mean. If you’re a huggerand physical affection is what makes you feel loved then it’s a huge deal to go without.

Hugs OP

I don't have any helpful advice really but I'm so sorry you feel so isolated, I'd happily give you a hug! I never, ever thought I was a 'people person' but all the crap has made me I realise I am, I really love and care for people. I saw friends at the weekend and absolutely revelled in the ability to just be with them and touch and hug them. I was at an event and seeing people swing dancing together made me cry a bit behind my sunglasses .
It's hard as an adult to make friends but I guess the more you get about and meet similar people, the more likely you are to cultivate friendships. Can you maybe connect with people in a similar predicament somehow? Could you try volunteering for a broader range and human contact?

Sending you a big hug also x I'm not actually a hugger at all.. But I was upset a few days ago and someone hugged me and I really appreciated it, so sending you a huge hug x

Here is a a huge bear hug🧸

Do you have photos up of the people you miss? Could you put flowers around and think of them and imagine them with you or thinking of you?

Awww. Massive virtual to you

I know exactly what you mean. I live alone and am CV but had to form a bubble with DM who works in social care for mental health - we had a clandestine hug in the car at one point.

I know its not quite the same, but I really recommend anything tactile - boyfriend pillow, furry animal, bath, and especially body massage, either human or handheld - I think seeing my massage therapist definitely has helped keep me sane. It has the added benefit that I have been seeing the same person for ages so its also like free counselling.

I am single and really miss hugs and touch, I have a cat who when in the mood allows me to sit and hug it. Sometimes I get a hug off work colleagues and there is a resident in work who gives good hugs. I take them where I can these days.
You can 'self hug' I gave that a go during the height of the pandemic, better than nothing.

Thank you for being so kind. I’m now crying (standard these days )

I’ve found myself waking up hugging a pillow which I’ve laughed at myself about but I wonder if it’s just my way of getting a hug.

I just can’t believe how long it’s been since I hugged someone, just the thought of a hug makes me cry so I’m not sure I could handle and actual one! I, despite always hating the idea now would love the idea of a massage but I just can’t afford them sadly.

I’m sorry others have felt this way. It’s sad and lonely isn’t it xx

Remember that every time you touch, stand, lie or or sit, there is a sort of touch coming from that other object.

Standing on the floor for example, the floor is holding you up, and below that the earth. And that earth is extending and touching other things so you are infinitely touched and connected.

Thank you Scrolling x

That's so hard.

None of these will be a substitute and appreciate it's nothing like the time frames you've experienced, but when my DCs first started spending time away with my ex, and I missed them so much, I found some comfort in using my DD"s weighted blanket, and also in doing yoga - the physical pressure helped.

Thank you over. I’ve considered a weighted blanket, that might help

It sounds silly, but have you tried hugging yourself? It's something I learned through yoga, but there is research that suggests it can be helpful.

Restorative yoga might help, it can bring out the same responses from your body that a hug will. Look up Yoga with Adriene and yin yoga, or restorative, there's a good few videos that will help (I'm going to do one myself now!).