A real thing, or something I just made up because I'm having a bad, low-energy day?
Discuss.
Absolutely a real thing. Oxytocin crash. More frequent after going a long time without any connection and contact, then all of a sudden getting it. It gets better as you build connection and contact back into your life...
1-800-CuddleBuddy! Cuddle withdrawals are no fun…
Real. Managing emotions, energy levels and social contacts after cuddling can sometimes be .... a Thing.
@CuddleDuncan and self compassion. 💜🤗
A quote from my message in the Cuddle Vending Machine post.
Two weeks ago I had a massive oxytocin headache followed by a cuddle hangover so severe that it got me in trouble at work the next day. I discovered that if you are touch-deprived long-term that you should NOT dive into a 16-hour overnight smushing marathon. Apparently, it is like drinking or drugs where if you do not have a tolerance built up, you can easily overdose. There really should be a warning or more public awareness about this stuff, because I might as well have been a drunk driver going to work the next day.
I wrote that in October 2020, a few weeks after I met my SO in this community. After 10 years without human touch, she was able to squeeze the bag-o-chemicals gland in my brain so hard that it gave me, what we ended up calling, a Squishy Headache that I described as "hurting soooo good". Over several weeks it got less intense until it never returned after my body had finally acclimated to being a human bean bag.
On one hand, I do miss the intensity a bit. On the other hand, I really couldn't afford those running red light tickets due to being on a natural high while driving.
Totally a real thing. I wanted to write a post as a public service announcement. I wish someone had warned me about the dangers. Cuddle and drive responsibly people.
Agree. It’s real ~ dopamine schedule.
Last time, I had my first cuddle and then attended a Latin dance festival for 3 hours in the same night . It's safe to say that doesn't happen every week, but it was fun!
@Nature_Lover_ Imagine a cuddling scheduling app!
I once noticed I was crying at the drop of a hat the day after a cuddle session. It can be a good, cleansing thing as long as you make space for it. I think people should be warned to be careful driving after a cuddle, not to sign any important documents or make any big purchases, etc. It’s similar to the emotional reactions I’ve had after anesthesia.
I notice it even though I cuddle fairly frequently - give me a week or two break and then after even a short cuddle, my brain is all daydreamy post-session and then quickly crashes, sometimes accompanied by a withdrawal headache similar to caffeine. I've learned it helps to let the session decrescendo a bit (instead of a harsh stop) and depending on the time, call a friend after, again to soften the ending.
@desi_babe , yes, ease out of the session. 😁👍
@nurturingman Maybe drinking extra water too, bc I'm sure there is a similar detox activity as after massages.