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I find that I am able to get a lot of things that people associate with relationships, elsewhere. I can always take myself out somewhere (or ask friends), can get emotional needs met through journaling or therapy or friends or finding the right venues to vent online. Sex is easy enough to simulate on your own as well. But idk, I see people in relationships and I feel like the one thing I can't really get on my own is physical touch.
Sometimes I just want a hug, or cuddle with someone. Maybe I just wish someone was holding my hand. Idk, stuff like that. I don't (and can't) have any pets so I can't just cuddle up with a cat. I do share hugs with my friends when appropriate, but I'm overall not a touchy-feely person with friends, and I feel like the type of physical closeness (not sexual) is something I'd want from a person I'm in a relationship with and not necessarily the type of thing you'd ask of a friend if that makes sense.
How do you deal? Or how do you just generally handle it when you feel like you're missing out on things that you can't get as a single person? Like I said, for the most part I feel self sufficient and able to do most things on my own or with friends, but that sort of affection feels reserved for people who are dating/in relationships/etc and there's not really any good alternatives.
When I crave physical closeness, I book a massage. It’s so healing to be touched non-sexually, and it helps loosen any tight muscles.
I also get a facial every month. Just being in the company of a skilled, compassionate woman who is treating my skin like gold, is very affirming.
These are ways I invest in self-care. The world can be tough, and friends can only provide so much comfort. We have to look out for our bodies’ needs.