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

Many people experience moments or even extended periods where physical touch from a partner feels less than desirable or even unpleasant. This can stem from a variety of factors, including stress, fatigue, past experiences, or simply individual preferences that can shift over time. It's a common human experience to have evolving feelings about intimacy and physical closeness within a relationship.

Research from the Kinsey Institute suggests that around 15-20% of adults report experiencing a significant decrease in desire for physical intimacy at some point in their long-term relationships.

See other perspectives

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

Am I the Only One?

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

Why do I suddenly dislike being touched by my partner?▾
A sudden aversion to touch can be linked to stress, changes in your physical health, feeling overwhelmed, or even subtle shifts in the relationship dynamic. It's often temporary and can be influenced by many factors in your daily life.
What if I don't want to be intimate with my partner anymore?▾
A decrease in the desire for intimacy can happen for various reasons, including changes in personal circumstances, stress, or differing needs within the relationship. Openly sharing how you feel and what you need is often helpful.
Is it normal to not want physical affection sometimes?▾
Yes, it is very common to have fluctuating desires for physical affection. Our need for touch can vary day-to-day, depending on our mood, energy levels, and what else is happening in our lives. It's not unusual for this to change.

Have your own experience to share?

Share Your Story