Physically, no. Emotionally getting gifts from people you didn’t think were that close of friends really makes me happy though. Recently two friends have gotten me things. One of them got me something because I was sad and they’re literally going through chemo. Like, girl, wtf, you did this for me while you’re on chemo? I couldn’t handle it. It broke me.
This conversation has popped back into my head. Over the last year a friend my wife met over the Internet and at conventions became a mutual cuddle buddy of ours and (with my wife) a romantic interest.
In hindsight I think your story helped nudge me towards it. Around October I began doing erotic roleplay with folks online. A lot of times I wanted to do more stuff with them, like JOI or just involve voice chat or anything but it was always outside of the limits.
After it was clear my wife was interested romantically in our mutual friend we brought back up the topic of poly and where our boundaries really are. To make a long story short, I just picked up my wife from the airport last night after her visiting this friend alone. I’m very happy for them. I’ve started doing more directly sexual things online with folks as opposed to just roleplay too. We’re both as happy as can be still.
Also, your story about what your partner said after the first time reminded me of the first time I went on an online “date” with someone. My wife was actually excited for me and gushed over the details with me and afterwards, later that day she very specifically came and sat with me on the couch and cuddled. It’s been a great experience overall. Just like with you, it’s helped my wife feel less anxious about needing to be able to satisfy me. It’s made the times she actually is in the mood better as well because she feels less stressed.