Okay. Please hold on and hear me out. I intend this topic in the most respectful way possible. I am also not implying that my topic is ever a full substitution for contact with IRL cuddlers. I have paid for sessions with members on this website that were incredible. But, I felt really excited to share my positive experience with you guys and gals who might be more understanding and supportive than anyone else in my life that I can talk to about this. I know there's a lot of stigma around it.
A few years ago, when I had more income, I purchased a life size "adult doll." It's mostly been in storage. Recently, I've found myself more depressed and seeking solutions for touch starvation and cuddling from others. This isn't something I can afford to do on a consistent basis. Sometimes, I really have trouble falling asleep when feeling lonely. My wife and I are splitting up and I've been living on the couch for the past 6 months. I also suffer from drug-resistant Epilepsy and it's something that has introduced a lot of extra stress into my life.
Recently, I have discovered that using my doll for spooning has been a somewhat effective solution for the times that I have trouble falling asleep and would normally be feeling so lonely that I end up crying. I simply have it next to me in a spooning position and put it's arm around me, helping me feel safe and at peace.
Again, I am not suggesting anyone use this as a substitution for the services provided by this website, but I've found it to be a helpful "bridge" between the real cuddle sessions I can afford with members here.
I'm also not suggesting anyone purchase an "adult doll" unless it's something that feels right for you. But, I felt excited to share my positive solution for my persistent loneliness when trying to fall asleep. If this is something you already own, then you might consider using it for this purpose. I hope this post helps someone here.
Mods, please remove this post if you feel it to be inappropriate for this forum. I checked the rules and couldnt find any that I thought this would be breaking. I have also proofread this post about 5 times before submitting it, trying to evaluate it in an unbiased way.
Edit: Yes, I do see a therapist twice a week and she thinks this is a good idea for a temporary solution.
Edit2: Like I said, this was something I could afford before I had to stop working because of my epilepsy. I'm just hoping it's an idea that could help someone else in a similar situation as mine.