How can I be more affectionate? I always worry that any of my attempts at affection come across as clingy, and this probably makes me seem distant. Also: how to let go of my inhibitions, and love hard? I keep worrying about getting hurt, and tell myself that if I don't fall completely in love, then I won't get hurt badly. [more inside]
posted by Xere on Sep 6, 2009 - 10 answers

Why does my dog want to eat our snot? Straight out of our noses! [more inside]
posted by arniec on May 5, 2009 - 18 answers

I've just left a relationship in which I was having great sex, but not experiencing enough non-sexual physical affection from my partner. It really made me aware of how much I need physical contact such as hugs, and knowing that there's a living body near me. How can I get more of that feeling of physical affection without actually hooking up with someone? [more inside]
posted by pipstar on Mar 14, 2009 - 27 answers

Public physical contact: what does it mean? (silly overanalyzing girl filter) [more inside]
posted by faeuboulanger on Mar 4, 2009 - 25 answers

How can a somewhat solitary guy meet a need for hugs and human contact? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Dec 19, 2008 - 13 answers

I see the world, and all in it, as something vicious and ready to attack me, and that influences far too much stuff in my life. Help. [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Dec 8, 2008 - 30 answers

Am I fair in blaming a snail's-pace relationship on my weak ability to show affection? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Jul 15, 2008 - 24 answers

How do I go about finding platonic physical affection? [more inside]
posted by Ndwright on Jul 11, 2008 - 33 answers

My cat demands constant affection. When she doesn't get it she screams and pushes herself against me. It is cute for short periods of time but recently she has become even more vocal and more needy. It's to the point that if I'm on the phone she is screaming in the background. If I have company she is in their face trying to get attention unless I am constantly petting her. How can I help her and help my sanity? [more inside]
posted by aburd on Jun 14, 2008 - 19 answers

What are some good books/essays/articles about human sexuality, sexual and romantic relationships, and sexual or otherwise affection-entangled activity - with an emphasis on the theoretical? I'm thinking more along the lines of Judith Butler than The Joy of Sex - so suggestions should be at least vaguely academic. (Things like Leaves of Grass count as vaguely academic). [more inside]
posted by bubukaba on Mar 10, 2008 - 21 answers

And I will hug him and squeeze him and call him George! Somewhere I read that there was a specific word in some language to describe the feeling of restraining overwhelming affection because the urge to hug and squeeze with all one's might could actually harm the subject, e.g. puppies, infants, petite girlfriends. I've searched all over with no luck. Ring any bells?
posted by Tubes on Apr 23, 2007 - 27 answers

[Insecure Female Filter] Help me feel less clingy when asking for affection from or even just displaying it to my more stoic significant other. Back story & lots [more inside]
posted by Phire on Jan 2, 2007 - 17 answers

My depressed boyfriend is withdrawing affection; I'm miserable. [more inside]
posted by Teevee's Bella on Dec 28, 2006 - 66 answers

Just curious. If I am sitting on my couch, or lying on my chair, sometimes my cat will come up to me and bump noses with me. I recognize this as a sign of affection or a friendly greeting. Sometimes, it is a prolonged (4-5 second) nose bump.....Now if I should happen to approach my cat who is an another part of the room, and initiate a nose bump, will my cat look at it as a greeting/ form of affection, or will she be thinking 'what is this guy doing?'... Is it a two way street? Or do they only accept affection in forms of scratching their head and behind their ears?........is the prolonged nose bump their way of being super affectionate? I have researched several websites on cat behavior, but havent found a answer close enough to what i was looking for....
posted by TwilightKid on Dec 19, 2006 - 43 answers

sameoldrelationshipstuff filter: Like many of us, I have fears about my relationship. Does she really love me? etc. One thing that's starting to drive me crazy is that I want more affection than she wants to give. I know everyone is different, blah blah blah, but just so I can have some perspective, can you guys tell me: how often do you smooch your sweety? Do you tell him you love him every day? Do you expect a hug when he gets home from work? If he asks you for some attention - do you give it to him, or run the other way? Help me understand what is normal - or at least average!
posted by anonymous on Nov 7, 2006 - 17 answers

I have a female friend who is having a hard time. I'd like to show my affection and support. Unfortunately, I'm a guy, so everything risks to be misread as attempts to hit on her. That's not what I want. Also, I'm not really good at these things. What should I do?
posted by anonymous on Aug 14, 2006 - 17 answers