It takes a brave man, to admit he has a problem!

I would like a dollar for every time I have heard that!

It is a classic Therapist phrase!

Seriously I am not 100 percent sure, that it is a dreadfully bad problem!

It is just that, it has recently affected my life!

I have been this way, for a long time!

Someone, sometime put a name to it! This problem!

Haphephobia!

It is classified as, a fear of being touched!

But in reality, it isn't that simple!

If the other person is close to me, I am fine!

For example I can shake hands with my Dad, I can hug my Mum!

Occasionally I have briefly touched the shoulder of a close friend!

But Stranger's, Colleagues, Acquaintances are different!

I cant bring myself to touch them, and I dread them touching me!

It has always been my habit to avoid situations, where I might need to touch!

At work, my desk is situated far from any other. I will not shake hands, with staff or clients!

My phone is my life line! It connects me to other's without, having to meet in person!

I live alone, have my groceries delivered!

I have never had a relationship or partner!

But I do make an effort, I work! I drive!

I have been fine, until recently!

I have found myself, becoming unsettled, and lonely!

I recently turned 30, maybe that was when it started!

I have been thinking, about my future!

Do I want to live my whole life alone?

I am also concerned about my job!

Can I work my way up the ranks, work towards a promotion, if I cant interact with the other staff and Managers?

What was the use of working, if I have nothing to strive for?

Hence, I am taking a leap!

Sitting in this car, heading towards an unknown future. With an old friend, who though is not an actual stranger, is someone I haven't spoken to for, ... 12 years? Gosh thats an age!

The fact that Dale, is now an Occupational Therapist, is a surprise!

The fact I am heading to his home, for Therapy is just plain crazy!

For the next 6 weeks, I will be in his care! Living in his home!

I don't think I would have agreed to this, if it hadn't been for him!

I couldn't have been comfortable, with a complete stranger!

He isn't speaking to me! Is he worried I would freak out or something?

I glance at him! He is frowning, eyes on the road!

Dale?

Hmm?

Are you sure about this?

Dale smiles - It's what I trained for!

To help people like me?

No! - Dale shook his head- So I could help YOU! Cody!