Despite living in a sex-obsessed society, we rarely talk about our erotic lives in ways that foster meaningful intimacy with ourselves and others. Indeed, millions of people are craving physical and emotional connection, which has surfaced in heart-breaking ways during COVID-19. Social distancing and isolation protect us from the virus, but they can also prevent us from enjoying the vital benefits of human touch and closeness.
The denial of intimacy is a distressing outcome of the pandemic that people are responding to in various ways. Sex toy sales are soaring and there has been a rise in podcasts that explore intimacy and sexual coping strategies.