Who Misses Kisses and Cuddles?

Summary

The article reflects on the impact of the pandemic on physical touch and human contact, noting a significant increase in people living alone and a rise in domestic violence.

Abstract

The pandemic has exacerbated the lack of physical touch and human contact for many, especially those living alone. Pre-pandemic, a substantial number of individuals in the US were already living by themselves, and the pandemic has likely increased this number. The article highlights the story of a woman who sought massages for human touch and the personal experience of the author, who was hugged only by her son for two years. The enforced proximity due to remote work and schooling may have put additional strain on relationships. While some had the companionship to stave off loneliness, others, particularly women and children, faced a surge in domestic violence, with Jefferson, Alabama, reporting a 27% increase in March 2020.

Opinions

The author suggests that the pandemic has intensified feelings of isolation and the need for physical closeness, as evidenced by the woman seeking massages for human contact.
There is an implication that the lack of physical interaction during the pandemic has had a notable psychological impact on individuals.
The author expresses concern over the increased pressure on relationships due to the pandemic, as families spend more time together in limited spaces.
The article conveys alarm over the rise in domestic violence, particularly against women and children, indicating a serious side effect of pandemic-induced lockdowns and social distancing measures.

Since 2020, I wonder how many people have gone without close personal contact.

Pre-pandemic, 36.48 million people were already living alone, but at least they had friends and family they could regularly see. I once read about a woman who had a massage every few weeks just for the touch of another human. My son was the only other human who hugged me for two years, with one exception. How about you?

Statista society demographics show the total number of households in the US in 2020 was 128.45 million. Families sharing their home for work and schooling and having an hour for exercise or shopping per day must have added pressure to relationships.

There was no chance of loneliness, but many, especially women and children, suffered at the hands of their husbands or boyfriends. Jefferson, Alabama, reported the highest rise in domestic violence of 27% in March 2020 compared to 2019.

Continued here.

Published in full on NewsBreak.