I've read/heard somewhere that humans require eight meaningful touches each day. More than just a handshake and more than keeping your childs hand in yours to make sure they aren't lost.
As a young woman I remember an older female in my office touching my hair because I had curled it that day. I never imagined that something so innocent would fulfill a need....not romantic at all, just a need to be connected. It has been a goal of mine as a mother to make certain I touch my children (all teens) in a positive/meaningful way each day. If I'm filling that meaningful touch need, then they won't look for it somewhere else. Again, let me define this touch as non-romantic in any way!

As a single mom it's a lonely existance. I've been divorced for four years and separated before that. The relationship I had with my former spouse was not "safe". I crave that "safe" touch, to be held and to hold and touch without expectations or demands.

I find myself rolling a blanket and wrapping it around my shoulders, put a heating pad inside the pillow case of my favorite pillow. It's not the same but hey, if they can fool a tiger cub at the zoo I'm entitled to give it a whirl don'cha think?

I'm currently seeing someone but the relationship has been "just friends". I would like for it to be more but am waiting for him to make the first move. If I reach for his hand is he going to run?