For as long as I can remember, a simple hug has felt like an insurmountable challenge, a mini-ordeal I’d rather avoid. It’s not that I don’t yearn for the warmth, the comfort, the silent reassurance a hug can offer. In fact, my heart aches for it, especially during festivals when families embrace, or when friends console each other after a tough day. But there’s a wall, an invisible barrier I’ve meticulously built around myself, making me recoil even from the most loving gestures. And for the very first time, I’m finally putting into words why.
My Secret Shame: Why I Can’t Stand Being Hugged, Even When I Crave It
Published Anonymously
Submitted by a real person and published with their consent. Identity is never revealed.