I can certainly relate... for what that's worth.

I have a neighbor that I stop and chat with when I take my dog out for a walk. She'll come sit on her steps of her deck. When I get ready to leave, I reach for her hand and help her up. It's amazing what that touch does for me and I can only imagine what it does for her.

She's suffered abuse at the hand of her daughter recently. No doubt, it feels good to her, not only the touch but the caring. For me, the touch feels good and in a way, I'm still helping my mother stand up, which she needed quite a bit all of my life.

My cat will sometimes cooperate and curl up at the small of my back at night. It feels good to feel another living thing next to me. I got my dog for cuddling next to and affection but her past training won't allow her to stay on the couch when anyone sits next to her and she certainly won't get on the bed with me. As wonderful as my dog is, now I wish I'd gotten a puppy so it would grow up being cuddled and laid next to.

If I had treats with me, and set my mind to it, I could probably teach my dog to cuddle. I just don't do that for myself... why? I don't know... lack of motivation? Lack of interest in myself? The slight depression I live with most of the time doesn't allow me? Who knows! at myself...

PS I'm all ears (well now wouldn't I look funny being all ears *sheesh*)

You still have your sense of humor! I can relate to that, too!