How can I cope with touch starvation?

[CateM]

Unfortunately, I had to come here for advice...

[NamerOfStars]

I'd suggest looking for ways to alleviate it. All touch is a form of communion, but for far too many people, it's limited to sexual stuff. Fixing that is tricky, but there are things you can do. Start by breaking down the barriers with those you regularly interact with- a hand placed on someone's shoulder to emphasize a point in conversation, or the handshake that goes into a half-hug that guys do when you're greeting a friend. Starting with gestures like that, that are less likely to be taken as aggressive or overly assertive, will let you make people more comfortable with being touched, and in turn, touching you.

In the short term, find some little kids- cousins or niblings or even neighbors. They typically haven't developed the aversions that come with later socialization, and many toddlers will happily hug you whether you want it or not, out of sheer joy at being able to hug someone and still remain standing.

[SnowedIn]

That's so horrifically sad! I'm so sorry.

Friend at school?

Teddy bear/stuffed animal?

Pet?

Sports with friends? (leads to high fives and back slapping, etc.)

[Agape93]

Get a guy or girl your own age, or wait.

[CateM]

Yeah, if only it was that easy

[Agape93]

It is that easy

[Cedman]

Ask people for hugs.

[Anonymous]

Find someone who can satisfy your fetish.

[Charliefretz329]

I don't know 😞

[Preeti161101]

Self-control