I wish

 

A Note from Jake

For anyone who’s ever asked for something simple—and been told no.

It’s hard to look someone in the eye when you know they couldn’t care less if you live or die.

Harder still when you imagine if they did care—and tried to speak to you—

they’d leave anyway.

Like they all do.

It’s hard knowing no matter how honest you are,

your words are misunderstood.

So you go silent.

You stop trying.

Three days without speaking becomes normal.

A few forced hours with a friend feel like a betrayal of your own loneliness.

And even then—you mostly stay quiet.

Because your words?

They ruin everything.

People say they want truth, but when you give it, they vanish.

But here’s the part that hurts the most—

It’s not even words I need.

It’s presence.

It’s touch.

And no, I’m not a freak.

I’m not looking for sex.

I’m not needy or weak or broken.

I’m starving.

I need to be held.

I need time with someone.

I need to lay my head on a shoulder without asking for permission,

without apologizing,

without being shamed for wanting to feel human.

But I asked.

I said it plainly.

“Will you spend a few hours with me?”

“Will you hug me?”

“Will you just let me exist in the safety of your arms?”

And you said no.

And after that…

it’s hard to look at you.

It’s hard to speak.

Because now you know—

and you still said no.

That pain?

That shame?

That silent ache in the shape of another human being?

That’s what I carry.

That’s what so many of us carry.

Not weakness. Not drama.

Just the simplest of needs denied.

If you’ve ever felt that—

You are not alone.

Not anymore.

—Jake

🔍 

Definition of Touch Starvation (aka Skin Hunger):

A condition that occurs when a person experiences little to no touch from other living beings. It can lead to increased feelings of depression, anxiety, loneliness, and even physical illness. Human beings are biologically wired for physical connection—and without it, the body and mind can suffer deeply.