<h1>Am I the only one who feels uncomfortable with physical touch from a partner?</h1>

Many people find themselves feeling uneasy or even avoidant of physical touch from a romantic partner at various points in their relationships. This can manifest as a general aversion, discomfort with specific types of touch, or a sudden change in how touch feels. These feelings are often tied to past experiences, stress, or shifts in how we relate to ourselves and others.

Research indicates that approximately one in five adults reports experiencing some form of touch aversion or discomfort in intimate relationships at some point in their lives.

See other perspectives

Does everyone feel uncomfortable with physical touch from a partner sometimes?

Does Everyone?

Is it normal to feel uncomfortable with physical touch from a partner?

Is It Normal?

Is it weird to feel uncomfortable with a partner's physical touch?

Is It Weird?

Why do I feel uncomfortable with physical touch from my partner?

Why Do I?

Real stories from the community

We'd do video calls and stuff but I just couldn't handle, like, him actually being HERE. …

intimacy avoidance

i gotta get this out cuz it’s eating me alive and i cant tell anyone in real life not my bestie not even my little brother like this is TOO MUCH so like it started a few years ago when i met jake at… …

intimacy avoidance

i know this is gonna sound BAD but i only date guys who are like COMPLETELY unavailable and it's not even like an accident you know like i actually SEEK them out. …

intimacy avoidance

And everyone was all like, "Oh no, long distance, that’s so hard, you guys are so strong! …

intimacy avoidance

you know that feeling when your gut twists up real bad, like when you drop your phone and it hits the concrete but you haven't looked yet to see if the screen's cracked? …

intimacy avoidance

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I used to enjoy touch but now I don't?▾
It's common for feelings about physical touch to change over time, even in established relationships. Stress, life transitions, or shifts in relationship dynamics can all impact how you perceive and react to intimacy, leading to a temporary or ongoing aversion.
Can past experiences make me avoid physical touch?▾
Absolutely. Previous relationships, negative experiences with touch, or even childhood events can significantly influence how you respond to physical intimacy from a partner. These past influences can create a subconscious hesitation or discomfort.
What if my partner wants more physical touch than I do?▾
Differences in desire for physical touch are very common in relationships. Openly discussing these differences with your partner is key. It's about finding ways to connect that feel good to both of you, even if that means exploring different forms of intimacy beyond what you might typically consider.

Have your own experience to share?

Share Your Story