Touched Out

My sister majored in "Marriage and Family Science" and has taught me so many things in our little discussions about our families. One thing that I've remembered is this concept of being "touched out." It's basically when I've been touching little kids all day, getting plenty of hugs, cuddles, snuggles, and by the end of the day, I'm basically done. I've had my fill, so-to-speak, and I just want my body to myself! I no longer need human touch, and kinda don't want it.

My husband, on the other hand, hasn't been touched all day, and needs some physical fulfillment -- I'm not even talking intercourse, here, just regular human touch. What we've done to help mitigate this imbalance is: immediately when he gets home, we ALL run to greet him. I kiss him, the kids hug him, he rough houses a bit with them while dinner finishes cooking.

Then at bedtime, he oversees baths and brushing teeth and reads to them as they pile on his lap. I get to retreat to the bedroom and do whatever I want for awhile. Then we all gather to pray and turn the lights out. I still might need more alone time, and he honors that. And I try to honor his need for touch -- if he's still awake, because as we all know, that bedtime routine can be exhausting!! Even just snuggling while we fall asleep together can fill his bucket.

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