To feel sad I don't have this?

[MovieQueen12]

Being single and nobody else who is the same way. Sometimes I just really want to be held for a while. I feel embarrassed to admit that but I get so lonely and just want to feel the connection 😞

Yeah same

Totally understandable. Intimacy is a human need

Same. I’ve felt this way for over a decade. My ex , who I was with for ten years, was not affectionate at all except for sex. I miss someone holding me and being affectionate non sexually, just for intimacy

Exactly that @Sunnytwobridges I just really crave that

I'm old. And that is what I miss most.

When I was single I felt the exact same. I felt like most of my emotional needs were being met, even my sexual needs either went into hibernation, or were occasionally met, but that physical intimacy need for a proper unapologetic hug... that was pervasive.

I remembering hugging a male friend and thinking "this is a really good hug" before realising, it was probably somewhat uncomfortable for him, as it definitely went on too long and was quite the full body hug. Poor James (I apologised).

This is why I have cats! It may not be quite the same but one is a real lap cat. The other is really furry and likes her belly being stroked, so it’s like stroking a live teddy bear 😀It does give me the same feeling inside that a hug would.

It's a horrible feeling.
Even if I asked for a hug, it would just be a light and quick one which most people give and that's just not enough. I feel like such a weak loser 😔

I'm divorced a few years. No partner.
Sexless marriage. Completely touch starved (my own parents aren't huggers or affectionate)

I feel like a hideous troll. But I'm going to brave the dating world next year and try to at least have some fun. 😉

Felt like this when I found myself unceremoniously dumped after 12 years. Spent a lot of money buying clothes made with tactile fabrics; silk, cashmere etc.

@Fuwari I completely agree that pets (specifically cats!), can really fulfill a need here. Unfortunately we live in a society where we are often alone. Independence is celebrated. It's not really a given that we will have loving friends and family around us. I have a cat and since he came to live with me I have physically affection with another being every day. I'm calmer and less lonely. It's sad that we live in a world where we all have to be so self sufficient and strong. It's not the answer for everyone, but living with a animal is one way of coping

Zombie thread guys...

But of sufficient general application to be worth reviving, I think.