Kamala 'Momala' Harris looking out for our seniors (Sen. Feinstein)

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Link to tweet

[lunatica]

1. As a hugger myself I find the distancing really affecting me in subtle ways

There have been many studies of what personal space means in relation to comfort and how it differs in countries. It’s mostly an unconscious thing about the comfort or discomfort one feels in proximity to other people.

I grew up in Mexico so my proximity comfort is closer than what normal American’s feel, but I’ve also adjusted to the American comfort zone which is more space between people. I’m comfortable either way, but this new distance we have to practice is difficult for me. As stupid as this may sound I can’t help feeling rejected by the people I know. I don’t think about it with strangers though. I wonder if others feel this.

[moonscape]

2. I like the personal space we afford in

normal times, but am also a prolific hugger and toucher. It seems contradictory, but while I don’t like strangers standing too close to me, I’m capable of spontaneous hugs and touches.

Not being able to hug is wearing on me.

[lunatica]

3. It's funny how changing ingrained normal behavior

can be so difficult. It really affects me and makes me feel isolated and uncomfortable. Rejected emotionally. I’m basically a shut-in so I don’t interact with people hardly at all. Maybe that’s why I haven’t gotten used to the new normal of personal space.

[moonscape]

4. Similar. I've been self-isolated because of

my high risk, not spending time with any of my besties.

I did take one to my dentist for a several-hour procedure. We were masked, and she’s nearly as isolated as I am. My dentist and I became friends and when I saw him after a long time, knowing how anal he is about hygiene in normal times, I just could not resist. Would have been easier to stop a sneeze.

We hugged, a long lingering close one, and even so I didn’t want to let go. Am so starved for human touch. Told him it was the first hug I had had since March but had been worth the risk. People who have safe hugs in their life don’t realize how profoundly blessed they are. My best friend often complains she misses my hugs, but she’s just not safe enough for me to get that close to. It becomes difficult to make sane risk calculations. But, if CV found me, it would win the battle ...