QotD is a feature dedicated to answering questions from Piccadilly’s 5 Year Question a Day Memory Journal. The journal states its purpose is to help reflect back on daily routine and to act as a “time capsule” of experiences. As someone who laments their awful memory, I thought this was a wonderful tool and opportunity.

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How do you feel about cuddling?

Depends on what day you’re asking.

Due to being a SA survivor, I can’t handle most people touching me. Although, even before that, I was never a child who enjoyed being touched. I love hugging my immediate family, like my parents and my sister and her children. However, I typically can’t stand most people touching me, even if I am close to them.

In terms of cuddling, the only person I can do that with is my partner Slade, although some days, I can’t even do that. Slade is always understanding as well as patient. At times like that, they only take what is offered and wait until I reach a point where I can cuddle again.

Inversely, there some days when I am greedy for their touch. I want to be held, cuddled, and loved. I could spend hours in their arms, sleeping on their lap, or limbs intertwined. When those days happen, I take advantage of it to the fullest since touch is Slade’s love language.

Other than that, I do enjoy cuddling with my animals periodically. The dogs are bit difficult because 1) they are both larger dogs (60 and 90 lbs) 2) Charlie doesn’t control his body well nor does he enjoy things touching him 3) Fiona’s version of cuddling is literally being on top of you. The cats are a bit easier as Gwyn just wants to be near you and Bernice only cuddles with Slade. Nox, however, loves to cuddle. She will crawl under the blankets with us as well as sleep on my trunk if able. She actually got pretty skilled at moving with us when we readjust though she is that stereotypical cat who likes to monopolize your hands. All in all, she’s actually one of the best cuddle buddies out there and works better to put us to sleep than a tranquilizer.