I can definitely relate to the analogy and to the feelings about touch. I didn't grow up with any touch, so the first touch I ever got was from my girlfriends when I started dating. I think that made it even more difficult for me to get safe, platonic touch because I associated touch with dating. I had a few close friends I hugged, but not that frequently. My T is the person I hug the most consistently and it's extremely important to me. I love that she feels safe and maternal. It would be really hurtful if she ever took that away.