The thread I started on proof of human kindness has been so helpful that I thought I'd try the same thing again

I grew up under the threat of physical violence which traumatised me. I basically think everyone is going to kill me if I go out of the house! I only want to connect with people online, not see them for real. This isn't really possible as I need to start looking for a job soon after two years of staying at home!

The mere thought of going out makes me tense up like I'm getting ready to receive a smack So, I thought maybe it'd be helpful to hear stories of when people have been physically gentle with us and kind to us - given us a pat on the back, hugged us, held our hand.. In order to prove to myself that not all people are lunatics :P

I'll go first - when I was a kid, my mum was friends with a preschool teacher and we once visited her house. As she was chatting with my mum, I sat on the floor in front of her and she kept running her fingers gently up and down my back. I loved that feeling, it was so relaxing

Among my best memories of physical closeness is when my godfather let me lie on his tummy. He had a big soft belly that my brother and I would lie across, listening to his stomach gurgling and asking him if he was pregnant He was also available and willing to give me hugs and hold me, unlike my dad who just wanted to get away from me, keeping his hands behind his back when I tried to hug him

As I've been trying to tackle my fear of going out and especially using public transportation, I've had my best friend supporting me. We agreed I would take the train to a nearby town where she'd be waiting with her car so that I'd immediately have a friendly face there and we could drive back home together. It was such a huge deal for me that she went to the trouble of actually physically being there! I also called her before she drove there and asked her to pop over to give me a supportive hug for the train journey She's also gone to the shop with me and bought my groceries so I didn't have to face the cashier on my own