olena
It’s kinda funny that as much as I hate being touched by other humans and feel very weirded out by hugs (with very rare exceptions), I want to hug every big fluffy dog I meet (the bigger and fluffier - the better).
I never had a dog, and hadn’t anyone with dogs around, and actually didn’t like small dogs as a kid because of aggression from several of them, but was always fascinated with big fluffy dogs, and always want to pet, and hug, and squeeze and cuddle together with every single big fluffy dog I meet.
Do you think it may have something to do with #autism ?
@autistics
#neurodivergent
#AuDHD
Mar 14 at 4:19pmWeb
Show threadVickie Gray 🍁3d ago
@olena @autistics yes. Big dogs are often patient, pleasant to feel, kind, gentle. And they din’t need you to talk or make eye contact. I love big dogs
Show threadlemon 🍋3d ago

@olena

have you met odin ?

https://infosec.exchange/@0xabad1dea/116222845647793716

Show threadolena2d ago
@lemon omg I would hug him till the end of eternity if I could
Show threadAri "Second Breakfast" Jackson3d ago

@olena @autistics

Yesss! I have always loved big dogs, and have two now.

My Molly is particularly lovely to hug (she really gets into it, while her brother isn't so much into hugs).

Show threadolena2d ago
@arisummerland @autistics she looks very huggable and like she would like it as well :)
Show threadStarkRG3d ago
@olena @autistics It sounds more like trauma to me. Its probably autism-related trauma, though. Dogs are relatively safe and predictable, people are complicated and often hurtful.
Show threadKatta 2d ago
@olena
I am autistic (AuDHD) and I feel similar. I like to hug some people, but touching humans is generally more complicated and often less enjoyable for me (there is one exception though, but I won't go in detail 😉) than touching and hugging dogs. For me it's a sensory issue. Beagle Lumi is a medium size dog and he doesn't really like hugs, but touching his fur and feeling his warmth when he lies close to me just feels so good. It's calming and creates good chemicals in my bodymind.
Show threadMorgan ⚧️2d ago
@olena @autistics no idea, because it sounds pretty "normal" to me to want to hug every big fluffy dog you see, but I'm autistic 😅 it seems likely the autism at least has to do with the not wanting to hug humans tho
It might have to do with the social implications. I realized a few years ago that while I hate making eye contact with most humans, eye contact with babies doesn't bother me and is even comforting. I think it's because I know they're not using it to enforce a hierarchy like adults do
Show threadLemLems2d ago

@olena @autistics

That’s similar to my experience. I’m AuDHD & I struggle with human hugs - historically the exception has been when I’ve had a romantic partner (with them I’ve enjoyed prolonged contact). With close friends I enjoy hugs but only brief ones then I get uncomfortable. Anyone else I’m uncomfortable with any physical contact.

I love petting animals though & big dog cuddles are the best. My chonky ABX is a big cuddler and it’s my main source of seratonin

Show threadBill Taroli 5h ago
@olena Fur energy is quite different. My son was similar. He was terrified by dogs when he was younger but truly love them and all animals now. I think he’d like a goat after spending time with my mom’s. Hehe