I am not sure where to ask this question (just joined so still learning the ropes) so chose here. Sorry if this is the wrong category etc.
Anyway, I am VERY touch averse and don't like physical contact even from close family members. However, despite this I still get the feeling of being "touched starved." Like, I REALLY want to be hugged etc but know that if I tried I would have a meltdown. Does anyone else who is touch averse encounter this and if so do they have any suggestions on ways to cope with it? (I am currently using cuddly toys to try and combat it but they are only so effective.)
I also tend to get very "affection/romance starved" too. I struggled to make friends as a child, and as a result have no old childhood friends to fall back on, and now struggle even more so as an adult. I really want to find a romantic partner one day but as I can't form a basic friendship or even hold a conversation (and have meltdowns whenever in social situations) that seems very unlikely. For the most part I am happy alone but then I get these moments of affection/romance deprivation which leave me feeling very depressed as I am unable to sate them. Again, does anyone else have problems with this and if so do they have any advice?