Need More Affection In A Relationship? 10 Signs You Or Your Partner May Be Suffering From Touch Starvation

Touch is a powerful means of connecting with others and feeling alive, but what happens when we lack it for an extended period? This phenomenon is known as touch starvation, or skin hunger, and it can have a significant impact on our overall well-being. Craving affection and physical touch, such as hugging or holding hands, releases oxytocin, also called the “love hormone” or “cuddle chemical,” which fosters bonding and connection. However, when we go without this physical intimacy for months, our oxytocin levels can drop, leading to various adverse effects on our mental and emotional state.

Symptoms of touch starvation may include muscle tension, fatigue, headaches, sleep disturbances, increased stress and anxiety, a weakened immune system, and reduced libido. If you notice these signs, it’s crucial to address your touch needs and seek ways to feel more connected and comforted. Reach out to loved ones for support and consider simple coping strategies like giving yourself a massage, recalling happy memories with loved ones, cuddling with a pet, engaging in exercise, and maintaining communication with friends through chats or video calls.

In relationships, signs of touch starvation may manifest as clinginess, discussions about the lack of physical affection, a craving for commitment, seeking compliments or romantic gestures, a decline in intimacy, and feelings of sadness or depression. Couples’ therapy can help reignite the spark and bridge the gap caused by the lack of physical intimacy.

To deal with touch starvation in relationships, it’s essential to express positive touch to your partner, stay close to them even without talking, maintain communication through various means, and support each other’s emotional needs. Remember that taking it step by step can gradually restore the warmth of connection in your life. So, embrace the power of touch and the emotional closeness it brings!