How important is physical contact to others for you? A hug, a kiss, a pat on the shoulder, a handshake?
C: It’s super important. Laura and I cuddle, kiss, and hold hands a lot. For me, physical touch is like a vote of trust. And I also tousle her hair.
L: Haha, yeah, you need to get better at doing that! You mainly just put your palm onto my head.
You have been working in the youth centre Plexus for many years. What role does closeness play for the young people?
C: Some of our guests have told me that they haven’t hugged or felt close to anyone for over a year. The only time that they experience physical touch is when shaking hands with someone they’ve just met. So, if we hug them, even just really briefly, and even if some feel a bit embarrassed about it – it actually means the world to them. Speaking of physical touch in general: If I for instance pat my friend’s shoulder to acknowledge his work, I can clearly see how it boosts his confidence.