I read an article years ago that a survey of GP patients found that those living alone made far more frequent appearances than average. It was theorized, if not proven, that for most them, the GP was the only human who ever actually touched these people. The sole source of physical contact they had.
That seemed far fetched at first until I considered my own life. It's true!
I'm not a touchy-feely type by nature so it not only didn't bother me, it never even occurred to me. But for anyone raised in a demonstrative family, and used to a close contact life, the loss of it must be devastating.
Thinking deeper about it, society itself excludes these people by it's changing view of physical contact. What was once seen as a comforting hug from a friend now carries connotations of sexual motives however remote that thought in the hugger might be.
Two old ladies or laddies could live together for companionship and financial advantage in the past without a blink. Now they're seen as 'gay'.
Really? All of them?? Don't think so. Many though probably reject the option because of that connotation.
A family friend, or kindly stranger, thought nothing, in the past, of giving a crying kid a comforting cuddle. But now? Hell and high water would ensue! Even teachers can't do it.
I know I got more comforting cuddles from teachers than I got at home because I was clumsier than most and face planted a lot in the playground.
That places selling cuddles could even exist, let alone make a profit, is a very poignant and clear indication that society has taken a wrong turn.
Has the 'harrassment' and 'pervert' hysteria thrown out the baby with the bathwater? Are we protecting kids from the cuddles of predators? Or turning them unnecessarily into paranoid, mistrustful cynical loners? (like me?)
If people need a cuddle then why not give 'em one? Or sell 'em one for that matter. Who the hell cares? Obviously only the PCly anal mob who want to label cuddle shops as prostitution. Gimme a break! I have nothing against prostitution for that matter either, it's nobody's business but the seller's and the client's.
What exactly is society trying to be these days?? Gods? Saints? are we all trying to be so bloody perfect that we're no longer humans with human needs and foibles and faults? How many worlds do we live in? We go and cheer Arnie or Bruce blowing people away but howl outrage if a teacher picks up a kid with a skint knee. Is there intelligent life on Earth?
