yep. I was never a touchy feely type of person, but handshake, hug, kiss on cheek... these were good. I am alone, have been since 93. I have no intimate contact with anyone since then. Every other year or so a brother comes into town and I usually get a bear hug or two while he's here. I can return my mother;s forced hugs, but she's so tiny now, I don't feel anything in it anyway. Guess it's important for her, also alone.

My physical therapist is the only one who touches me really. And that torture isn't really what anyone craves... but it is contact. Occasionally he has to re attach my tens electrodes and that become more intimate, or give me ultra sound on my low back... so that is a respectful contact.

I think my psychologist knows how I feel. He usually tries to make some kind of innocent, simply physical contact... often helping me up out of the chair! Sometimes he pats me on the shoulder as he opens the door for me. Part of me really needs this.

um what was your question? did I answer it? Oh, yeah I do have a service dog that I hug. and he licks my tears, does this count?

<font color=blue> meditation is a true way to connect to the Source </font color=blue>