The irony of life is that individuals may not be not the cold, unfeeling hard-to-approach people that you perceive. Reaching out to someone else, even an unlikely friend may surprise the devil out of you!
The person you perceive as cold, could be caring, probably in ways that are too intimidating for others to fathom. They may even care "too much." That's fine, so be it. Many are not as worldly or sophisticated as they put on. This is just a facade of protection.
Some individuals may not have grown up in a very touchy "feely" family.
Myself, I've had to learn all this. And some of it doesn't go too well. I am still sometimes very awkward about this yet want it so badly. That is the irony. There are times I would go a year without any sort of touch from the people I lived with in my teen years. This definitely left its scars on me. I am still finding ways out of my shell. My friends have been wonderful, patient and kind during this process.
Even though that person will not always approach you, know that many desire affection and will return the favor even though they don't have it all figured out. Hiding deep inside many people are touchy feely "wannabes" who are afraid of intruding on others.
Rest assured, most will respond kindly, or at least politely if you give them a gentle touch or go even further with a hug.
Realize "Hugs aren't cheap," as someone once said. Value them, treasure them, and share them! Give into your need to show love and be loved. Many people are still learning about the mystery of affection and how to handle it; even into adulthood and beyond.
"I would give anything to break out of my shell," people think, but they have no way of telling you this. They hide from the very thing they want and need most! They are better off to "just do it." The more they hug or touch someone else, the easier the practice of affection becomes. Try to do just one action a day and see how much of a habit and how easier it is to break through the ice. You'll be warming someone else's heart and your own in no time!
Off to read more of your articles.