People are sharing the inventive ways they're coping without physical affection right now
Whether you're in lockdown alone, with housemates, family or partner, it's likely you're missing many parts of your 'normal' life right now. We all are. And one aspect of life pre-lockdown many people are yearning for most is being able to touch/hug/kiss their loved ones. After someone posted on Reddit asking, "If you are a very affectionate person, how are you dealing with the complete lack of physical affection and connection during these times?", people started sharing their hacks. And they're super inventive.
1. "Since we had some warning of the quarantine coming me and my partner swapped sleep T-shirts to keep hold of something that smelled like each other. He also gave me the necklace he hadn’t taken off for several years, which I found incredibly touching, to be returned when we’re back together. It’s nice constantly having something that reminds me of him in contact with my skin. I’m still tempted to post him something of mine in exchange." [via]
2. "I've started sleeping with a really firm pillow behind my back and hugging another body pillow so it's like I'm spooning two people at once. It helps me sleep a bit better. I usually sleep alone anyway but it suddenly felt necessary." [via]
3. "It's not the same obviously, but I have sometimes found a warm bath somewhat helpful. I assume because it's such a physical sensory thing. For what it's worth, I know this can be really hard but please know you're not alone or at all abnormal for struggling with this." [via]
4. "Actually (though it of course isn’t the same as the real thing), there may be some benefit in allowing yourself the physical contact and hand/fingers touching of a self hug... it can be useful to help alleviate a bit of the skin hunger and the stress many people are dealing with today during social distancing. Give it a shot as you settle into bed when it’s time to try to fall asleep." [via]
5. "A weighted blanket, a very long cushion, hot baths, hot water bottle and lots of self care." [via]
6. "I have a cat. He is not thrilled with the increased hugs." [via]
7. "Well, I have a boyfriend so I just keep the communication high to stabilise a connection even whilst being apart. Yes, it’s really hard, nonetheless the affection you get once these times are over will be worth the wait. I feel like also, FaceTiming or video calling people is another good way to connect because you get to physically see that person which is always something nice." [via]
8. "I sleep with two fluffy pillows on either side of me so I can be my own cuddle train. Either way I turn I get to snuggle something that won’t leave." [via]
9. "Oh, it's been going on a lot longer than the Coronavirus for me. So I hug my dog, line stuffed animals along side my body like a person, cry and day dream. Just trying to remember that it won't always be like this." [via]
10. "I'm not that affectionate and even I'm struggling. The lack of distraction is making me painfully aware of how affection deprived I am and how much I actually craved love. I was just good at suppressing that desire. I can hug my mother and brother sometimes but it's different. At night when I go to bed, I close my eyes and pretend to be in the arms of the man I thought was my soulmate. At least people can't read my thoughts." [via]
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