"Skin hunger" is one of those newly invented words.
As a result of "social distancing" some people hunger to be touched. An acquaintance is one of them. She was surprised as the electrician shook our hands. Yes, we all shook his hand and none of us did wear gloves, refused, or disinfected hands right after we did so. It depends on the culture if a handshake is normal and will be missed. To us, a deal is a deal and a firm handshake is part of it.
It did this lady a lot of good and she kept repeating how great it is people dare to shake hands, not avoiding you as if you are a leper.
How come this handshake of a stranger meant the world to her and not that much to us? What is the difference between people who hunger to be touched, those who are not fond of it, or like being touched by everyone or those who don't care?
You might have heard about tests done with Russian babies and decades later Romanian babies/toddlers. Both tests should proof children not only developed faster if they receive, next to food and a clean diaper, cuddles but also grow taller, are happier and healthier.
It's clear. Being touched does some souls good and helps to reduce stress. Stress is what is fought if we touch, cuddle, give a handshake and we know too much stress won't do our health good.
What is needed for the daily dose of touch?
A handshake can do the trick just like sitting next to someone. A hug isn't per se needed and if so a pet or even a stuffed animal does the trick. Both, pet and stuffed animal, can reduce stress and not only with children. Tests are done with adults doing games. Some held a teddy bear. Those with a bear experienced less stress. With this knowledge, skin hunger can be fought and those who suffer from it can easily help themselves.
Are you one of those people who doesn't hunger for a touch? Don't worry there's nothing wrong with you. Those who hunger most of being touched turn out to be the people with lower self-esteem. Feeling someone makes them feel safer. If this comes to my acquaintance it's 100% true.
I crave touches only from certain people. Just those i want to rely om at times but otherwise, i can do fine without. I enjoyed this one too