Undercuddled - A Short Survival Guide
Because apparently we need 4 hugs a day just to survive
So here's the situation. According to actual science (or at least a therapist named Virginia Satir), humans need:
4 hugs a day for survival
8 hugs a day for maintenance
12 hugs a day for growth
Which means, statistically speaking...
I’ve been emotionally dead since Tuesday.

Symptoms of Being Undercuddled
Reaching for a warm mug like it’s a stand-in for human intimacy
Saying “I’m fine” while binge-watching six hours of The Great British Bake Off
Deep sighs for no reason
Craving connection but ghosting everyone
Feeling irrationally comforted by weighted blankets and dogs that aren’t even yours
Temporary Treatments (Until You Find a Willing Human)
Hug a pet. If no pet, borrow one. If no pet or friend, hug a pillow and pretend it understands.
Long, unhurried eye contact with someone who doesn’t freak out.
Text a friend something honest like, “I’m not okay, but I’d love a voice memo.”
Stand in the sun. Let it touch your skin like a hug from the cosmos.
Music. The kind that says what you can’t. (Bonus: no risk of awkward side hugs.)
Better Than Nothing
Deep breaths
Laughing with someone you trust
Saying “I miss you” even if it feels weird
Crying. (Seriously. It clears the system. Like rain for your soul.)
Or... You Could Just Say It Out Loud
“I need a hug.”
Yeah, I know. It feels needy.
But maybe being human is a little needy.
We’re literally built to connect, to feel, to reach.
So if you’re undercuddled today, you’re not broken.
You’re just human.
Which means you’re in good company.
Now go text someone. Or stretch. Or cry. Or laugh.
Or all four.
Just don’t go another day pretending you don’t need what we all need.
Comments (2)
"Long, unhurried eye contact with someone who doesn't freak out." IS IT TOO MUCH TO ASK.
