Lurking in the girls' area... 

I chose the last one, but it doesn't exactly fit, nor does the second last.  I hate being touched, and I don't really feel comfortable being hugged by anyone at all.  I don't want a hug every once in a while, because hugs are never really enjoyable for me, but I wish they were at times.  I remember being a little kid, and the "bear hugs" my father would give me.  For one reason or another, that sort of bond with anyone dissolved around puberty.

I grew up in a family that didn't touch much.  I remember being held by my mother after I fell down the stairs and knocked myself out but not at any other time.  I always knew my family loved me, but there was no physical affection offered.

One of the many reasons I love being Kate is that I now have permission to touch others and for others to touch me.  Pretending to be a man, I never felt I was allowed to touch a woman on the arm or shoulder unless we were dating.  And of course I couldn't touch a man.  But now I can.  And somehow I've become touchable, too.  Friends and casual acquaintances will touch me on the arm or shoulder or back or hold my hand while talking to me or give me a hug when we meet or part.  I love it.

- Kate

Quote from: K8 on June 01, 2010, 06:21:09 PM
  And somehow I've become touchable, too.  Friends and casual acquaintances will touch me on the arm or shoulder or back or hold my hand while talking to me or give me a hug when we meet or part.

- Kate

The part I hated of being perceived to be female. If I want to be touched or hugged or patted like a little kid, I'll tell you, until then back off. It really bugs me when people would assume it was OK to do so when they don't even know me or just want a sexual favor.

That doesn't mean I won't hug close friends or share during an emotional time, it means the casual and constant touching thing is what gets me.

Quote from: Jasmine.m on June 01, 2010, 10:06:23 AM
I'm a cuddler...

This.

Cuddles!
I love cuddles!
Perhaps as a result from having a physically torturous past... A need for me to confirm to myself that there is also love and compassion in touch. It's such a stark contrast to what I was used to, and I'm loving it.

hmm i never touch people. I even dont like it to shake hands.

so I hate being touched, or if someone is sitting too close to me in the bus. it makes me nervous and i cant relax.

but its ok for me

This thread made me think about how long it's been since I've been hugged by someone other than my parents. Now I'm kinda sadface. 

Kerstin and Kate said basically what I would've here.  People getting too close freak me out, and even nuclear family members get the close-but-distant treatment. I was beaten up a lot as a kid by both peers and adults, so that may be a big reason why.

Quote from: Autumn on June 01, 2010, 12:44:54 PM
There's also a factor, I could see, for boys who used to be girls - in that it could be a sign of weakness or somesuch, but the best of men are able to show and receive their affections without fear of social judgment.

I'm not a toucher, really. Just don't like it except for special situations/people.

Not because of that, though. If anything, I'm more physically affectionate now because I've got problems.

Quote from: natalie rene on June 02, 2010, 09:31:56 PM
This thread made me think about how long it's been since I've been hugged by someone other than my parents. Now I'm kinda sadface. 

Kerstin and Kate said basically what I would've here.  People getting too close freak me out, and even nuclear family members get the close-but-distant treatment. I was beaten up a lot as a kid by both peers and adults, so that may be a big reason why.

aww *hugs* Natalie!

I got beat up a lot too, which does tend to make us very skittish about being touched at all. I admit it took a conscious effort for me to become just the opposite. But the comfort of physical contact is one less thing I will allow the abusers to take from me, and one more thing I am claiming as my own.

I was indoctrinated into hugging by some female friends...now I need it to survive.

I am le hug vampire.

I am a big softee cuddle monster.

I try not to invade other peoples space, if I sense that they are not touchy feely types, but I love all forms of touching and physical contact.

Sometimes when I used to be working not far from home, I would come back at lunchtime for an "emergency topup cuddle" from Alison (my partner).

I don't get nearly enough cuddles, it makes me sad.

Samantha, you are free to have as many e-hugs as you like from me.

Quote from: SamanthaFLA on June 04, 2010, 03:35:19 AM
I don't get nearly enough cuddles, it makes me sad.

Just to help out a tad.

Quote from: LordKAT on June 04, 2010, 08:09:02 AM

I stole one of those from you, LK!!

Quote from: Jasmine.m on June 04, 2010, 08:24:54 AM
I stole one of those from you, LK!!

Very sneaky , but you may have one (or 2)of your very own! 

I am totally touchie feelie - lubs da' hugs and da' pettin'!  <3

But ... but ...  but what about the rest of us girls that KAT. 

can anyone tell me what is it about girls touching each other more than guys??? e.g. guys will never put his arm around another guy's arm that's holding an umbrella....guys will never touch another guy's waist and comment...guys will never hold hands with another guy when walking...etc...etc...etc....

LOL!  It is the unspoken edicate of being a guy.  You don't touch other guys.  When you go into the restroom, if you can, you put one urinal between you and the next guy.  You look straight ahead and not to the left or right!  Eyes up!

It is how males are generally socialized. No touchie, limit emotion...bleh...

It is high time for a male sexual revolution!