I Miss Being Held: Cuddle With Me

Dear Lovely,

It feels strange writing this out loud, but I miss being held.

I didn’t realize how long it had been until I accidentally brushed someone’s hand at work and almost cried. It was such a small moment, but it reminded me how much I’ve been aching for closeness. Not sex. Not attention. Just someone holding me with no expectations.

I don’t know if this is something I should even be feeling at my age. I’m always the strong one — the one people lean on. But lately, I just want to rest my head on someone’s shoulder and not have to explain anything.

Is that weird?

— Touch-Starved but Trying

Dear Touch-Starved but Trying,

What a tender, brave letter. Thank you for sharing something so real. You’re not strange for feeling this way — you’re human. Craving touch is not a weakness or a flaw. It’s a natural, biological need. Just like food, water, and sleep, we need comfort.

So many strong, giving people like you go unnoticed in their own exhaustion. You give and give, and somewhere along the way, it can feel like you’re not allowed to need, too. But here’s the truth: you’re allowed to rest. You’re allowed to be held.

In my space, you wouldn’t need to explain a thing. You could simply breathe, lean in, and know that every part of you — even the part that feels “too much” or “too soft” — is welcome here.

You are not alone. You are not weird. You are worthy of warmth.

Whenever you're ready, there’s a hug waiting with your name on it.

With care, Lovely