3 ms·
It's something that became pretty clear to me over the past year - if you don't get excited by this kind of physical contact you're probably a little different
by codezero 5y ago
It's something that became pretty clear to me over the past year - if you don't get excited by this kind of physical contact you're probably a little different from others.
That's OK. I not only don't celebrate that way, it'd make me uncomfortable even for a peer I like to hug me out of excitement. It's not what I want but it's what other people want and it seems to be the norm.
You may end up learning that this may hold you back professionally at some point unless you can stay in a role that doesn't value social signaling, as these behaviors are basically expected, and not performing them will get you excluded, unless you find a way to surround yourself with people who have shared views on this sort of thing, which is really hard to find out because it's implied.
At least that's what I've been thinking this past year of isolation where I have been very happy to not feel obliged to do the social things everyone else so desperately wants to go out and do together.
I'm on the lookout for backcountry camping trips I can do once things are "back to normal" so I can continue my isolation while everyone is at restaurants and parties.
- lofi_lory 5y agoI don't think it's just cultural or anything for most people. Not just communication. I am usually not overly social at all, but I am now starting to crave other people's body warmth on a physical level. Feels like a headache... I can't enjoy anything anymore, because of it. The craving is there all the time, there is no substitute for the closeness I have not. I fantasize about pressing my body through an overcrowded club, collecting other people's sweat on me, friends screaming into my ears spitting all over my face. Sweat, sebum, saliva, warmth, smell, microbes, laughter, eye contact. It's not a sexual desire, it's something different completely drained, thirsty, essential for survival. I think back then, if my group abandoned me, I would just die of loneliness on the forest's mossy floor, no matter the circumstances. I am gonna be really irresponsible, once I got my vaccine shot. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vlmDh4LlaKo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vlmDh4LlaKo
- codezero 5y agoTo be clear - I get it - I have had almost a hint of that sensation but I can see it clearly with all the people I work with - socialization will snap back hard and fast and people will go wild, good for them!