Isaiah McKimmie

Yeah, absolutely.

Feels like rejection because it is a way that we can self suit.

Well, it's a way that we can co-regulate.

and soothe emotions as well to be in physical proximity.

And again, when we're not getting that, we can feel like we're being rejected.

We can feel alone.

Cortisol and stress levels can go up.

We can be more likely to experience depression and anxiety.

Touch can be really, really healthy for us.

Yeah, absolutely.

And touch is also something that we would consider like a bid for connection.

You know, it's a way that we kind of let our partner know like, hey, I'm here, are you there for me?

And when that bid for connection isn't returned, or when someone kind of rejects it, that's really painful and absolutely normal to think then like, do they really want me?

Are they really there for me?

Are we really compatible?

I think when we experience any form of rejection, particularly physical or sexual rejection,

We can take that really personally.

Maybe my partner isn't attracted to me.

Maybe it's because my body's changed.

Maybe they don't like my body.