What is your idea of perfect happiness?

I’ve decided to answer this question in a very personal way by focusing on the sensory things that bring about about feelings of happiness. 

Comfort is very important to me. I’m on the spectrum and have a hypersensitivity to touch. I like to have a fair amount of physical space. The pandemic has been good for me in that I can move more freely and safely outside. I love the idea of being in a well-respected bubble.

In more intimate settings I rarely enjoy the physical touch of others unless I instigate it or it is explicitly requested (i.e.can I have a hug?). I feel a surge of panic and I jump out of my skin when touched without warning. Especially in delicate ways. I’ve learned to mask this because of social reasons. 

Thankfully, those close to me know this about me and let me make the first move. I think the only exceptions are my niece and nephew. They can touch me most anytime in most anyway. I think that is because I’m in a nurturing role and we have negotiated me holding them since infancy.

I do feel happy in the nude if I’m warm enough and feel safe (especially in water), but I’m also very happy when I wear soft body-conforming clothing like leggings, long-sleeved t-shirts and sockettes.

Also, along the sensory lines, I love hearing the wind and natural white noise. I find it to be a very immersive experience and ever so grounding. I like to listen to random classical music playlists for the same reason.

As you might have noticed, feeling safe and respected is my route to happiness.

What about you? What makes you feel perfectly happy?