hugs/touch psychologist discusses. I know I like hugs.

  • jpreston2005@lemmy.world
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    26 days ago

    The importance of physical touch, hugs, and intimacy is so great, that I’ve long since been convinced that sex work should be legalized. Why? Because often people will engage with a sex worker purely for this kind of intimate contact, even if it’s not sexual at all. Can you imagine a depressed 40-50 something that is lonely, and just wants someone to hold him, stroke his hair, and tell him it will be all right? I’m willing to bet that’s like 30% of the clientele

    • m3t00🌎@lemmy.worldOPM
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      25 days ago

      yes. spent a few years in Germany 30 years ago. their approach to prostitution seemed much kinder for all involved. regulate/tax everybody wins. US treats it like a religious sin and it destroys lives and drives everything underground. Like the ‘drug wars’. I spent a month in hospital and remember so many hugs from friends/family/coworkers that helped me feel loved and helped me deal with long recovery. Psychological benefits are huge. sex work should be legal and would reduce crime rates.

  • essell@lemmy.world
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    26 days ago

    As a male therapist I have to be so careful with this.

    Even clients who totally trust me have reported that little voice that’s learned to be suspicious of men gets a bit worried by physical contact. Taking into account that I don’t ever initiate hugs or any kind of touch, that says a lot about the dangers to both parties.

  • harrys_balzac@lemmy.dbzer0.com
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    26 days ago

    I thought I liked hugs but it’s been so long since I’ve had one, I totally froze and made it awkward as fuck. I apologized after and explained what happened. My friend was totally cool about it.