I can't really answer your question regarding sanity Mary, but whatever it is....I have it too!! It has been 16 months for me.

I think it's dependant upon each individual. For instance, I'm not a huggy, touchy, feely person by nature . . I'm more interested in conversations and companionship. I don't miss the hugs so much, or the kisses . . although sometimes my subconcious will dream of such things. In my waking life however, it doesn't seem to bother me. What bothers me most is "relating" on a verbal soul level. Hope that makes sense.

As for skin hunger, yes, I've heard of this before and it's not crazy, totally normal. Hugs from friends will help and even platonic friends of the opposite sex if you have any. Your pastor, brothers, sons, (those you trust). It also helps to hug yourself! I do this quite often in bed without recognizing what I'm doing. I'll just find myself with arms wrapped around me.

I guess that's why we say "hugs" to each other here? Round of hugs to all, xo, D

BTW, you are NEVER too old to date!! :)

Ugh I'll confess I had it...and it was not my time to date..I was not even able to accept my husband was really gone....I am so thankful that It never went further...but there was a moment that I wanted to dive in this guy and stay there forever...I am now really learning about me and I have a feeling one day I might be in a relationship...but I know deep in me I am still not ready

I do miss the connection. I do think the physical interaction is important it is the human way to feel close to others. It is all part of having that person in your life who knows you better then you know yourself, and loves you warts and all. Patti

Its "the new normal" i think..I posted this on my blog just a few days ago :

"im daydreaming now suddenlyand my eyes are welling with tearsI just imagined going home and finding you there, alive and well..sitting in the bed, watching tvI climb up next too you and wrap my left arm around you and put my head on your lap..you play with my hair, and i fall asleep..oh how i wish this was real"

of course i feel like this every day, not just then...

I miss Art's physical touch terribly!!! Everyday as a matter of fact. At 9 months this past winter in Arizona, I met a man who had lost his wife. We connected instantly and spent 3 1/2 wonderful weeks together before we both headed home for the summer. I loved the hugs and kisses. It made me realize that life does go on. I know it is really hard. You are not going crazy. Humans are not meant to be alone. You are not too old at all to date!!!! Hugs. Wish I could give it to you in person. Sue

Thank you all for the great responses - I just love this site - I feel like your are my friends and advisors - hugs to all!

Mary

This makes me wonder how many more kids we would have had if he had not died.

Maggie

My husband was a very affectionate type of person, and yes, I miss those hugs and kisses...

I have never been much of a touchy feely type person. My husband was the complete opposite. We were an odd pair, but it worked for us. I think what I miss the most is having his hand on my knee while we were driving. I miss the comfort of that feeling.

So glad to see others have this problem too! I was afraid to mention it. But right now I would be happy just to have a friend to go to lunch with

I too miss those things. I day dream about his touch and the way he kissed me when he came home from work. I cry because I miss it so much. I feel as though I would be cheating on or disrespecting my husband. I still feel married and I miss HIM

Mary I don't think those are abnormal feelings!! Bob and I were married almost 41 years and I miss him every second!! We were cuddlers. We always curled up together to watch tv. When we bought new furniture, it had to have a cuddle couch! He was sick so much, that was all we could do!! But it was enough just being together. I miss having someone to cook for, go out to dinner with, just talk to!! (Besides my fur babies!). I hate coming home to a house without him. So I am clinging to God at this time and trusting Him to direct my path, wherever it leads!! Even if it's to another love some day!!

My husband has been gone for 18 months. After being married for over 41 years I miss holding hands while we fell asleep and the comfort of sharing our bed together for all those years. So simple yet so powerful. I recently, very reluctantly had a full body massage at a spa in my area that I have gone to over the years. My husband would give me gift certificates there for my birthdays, and I had one left. I had the owner inform the massage therapist that I was widowed and wasn't sure how I might react to being touched and that I thought I might cry. I had the perfect therapist...a widow herself! She totally understood where I was coming from and gently talked me through it. I really enjoyed the massage. A perfect gift from my husband...at just the right time.