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Person Feel Quote by Roxane Gay

“Because I am not a touchy-feely person, I always feel this light shock, this surprise, really, when my skin comes into contact with another person’s skin. Sometimes that shock is pleasant, like Oh, here is my body in the world. Sometimes, it is not. I never know which it will be.” quote by Roxane Gay
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““Because I am not a touchy-feely person, I always feel this light shock, this surprise, really, when my skin comes into contact with another person’s skin. Sometimes that shock is pleasant, like Oh, here is my body in the world. Sometimes, it is not. I never know which it will be.””

Roxane Gay

About This Quote

Source Interview: The New Yorker, 2020

The speaker experiences unpredictable emotional reactions to physical contact, ranging from pleasant awareness to discomfort, reflecting the complexity of human connection.

In simple terms: Physical touch can feel good or unsettling, and you can’t predict which.

Key Takeaway

Stay aware of your reactions to touch.

Themes

intimacy sensory perception emotional awareness

Mood

reflective curious

Type

personal essay observational

When to use this quote

  • social gatherings
  • romantic encounters
  • therapy sessions
  • public transport
  • family gatherings

Key Concepts

psychology human connection boundary setting

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you usually respond when a touch feels unsettling?
  • What can you do to feel safer in close contact?
A Different Perspective

Unexpected discomfort may arise from past trauma or personal boundaries.

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