Recently started my divorce. I'm tempted to dive into finding the gentleness in a partner I've been missing in my life, but know it's too soon. Suggestions for feeling some warmth another way??

A pet. If you're not up for living with one, find a shelter that accepts volunteers. They need people to walk/cuddle/play with the dogs and cats.

Cuddling with a body pillow when falling asleep gave me more than zero warmth when I was craving it. Same with really clasping some part of bedding as if I'm holding hands with it. I know it's fake, but I still feel my body/mind reacting positively, so, whatever, I'll take what I can get.

In the same fake cheativities category: Sometimes when traffic stresses me out I take a fake puff of a cig. I stopped years ago, but it gives me something. Fun stuff

When I was going through my divorce I watched a lot of self help videos on YouTube. There’s good advice everywhere but the hardest part was having the gumption to get up and actually do something. I hope you find the support you need. I partied a lot 😅

Same boat buddy. Same boat.

The only way out is through. Do whatever you feel like doing. Just pay attention to the information you’re getting from your emotions, and make good choices.

Don’t expect yourself to be perfect. Nobody is. Despite that fact, we all still have the right to pursue happiness.

Massages are great for no strings attached human contact plus you’re almost guaranteed to feel way better physically afterwards too.

Volunteering for a cause you believe in

Ugh, I feel like I'm the rebound guy for a girl in your position. Well, not divorcing this time. I've been the rebound from divorces before. It sucks cause you catch feelings but that's not what they're looking for at the time. This time it's a girl that hasn't been out of a relationship for more than a month since she was 17. I'm concerned it's going to be the same story. I apologize for sidetracking.

You might have a friend who's more open to suspiciously long hugs than you'd expect. I'm the kind of guy who could usually take it or leave it, but if my friend doesn't want to let go, I am NOT gonna hurry it up on them.

Don't try to get your warm feelings from drugs. That way lies madness.

Ngl, a cuddle buddy really is optimal for that. The problem is that if you don't already have cuddly friends that are only cuddly, it's not necessarily going to be great. Not every friend is going to be a good cuddle buddy, even if they're the best friend ever to exist. Cuddling just isn't something that everyone can do with a friend. Then there's the other side where not everyone can just cuddle, without it turning romantic or sexual.

People have suggested pets, but that's another situation where if you don't already have one, it's a bad solution. Just picking a pet quickly to serve as a safety blanket is a horrible idea. Pets are a commitment that shouldn't be made lightly. Doing so isn't healthy for the humans or the pets involved.

Do you have anyone in your life that can give you comfort and support with physical contact?

A cat or a close and caring friend

do you game or do other hobbies that keep your hands busy but your ears open? throw up some of those self love affirmation videos off youtube, the ones you're supposed to listen to while sleeping. i can't speak for if they work while you sleep, they'd keep me up, but they work great as essentially background noise and help your mood and self compassion improve over time