When physical touch feels overwhelming but I crave closeness, how do I explain that to partners?

I've always valued emotional closeness and deep conversations, but when it comes to physical touch or intimacy, I often feel overwhelmed or uncomfortable. This isn’t about disliking affection entirely - I love hugs and hand-holding in small doses - but anything more intense or prolonged can feel like too much. I've tried opening up to partners about this, but it’s hard to find the right words that don’t make them feel rejected or confused. I’m worried that this might create distance in relationships or make me seem less interested, even though that’s not the case. It’s like there’s a disconnect between how much I want closeness and how much I can physically handle. I’m also unsure if this is related to any specific label or if it’s just a personal boundary I need to honor. Has anyone else struggled to balance craving emotional intimacy with boundaries around physical touch? How do you communicate this in a way that feels honest but also reassuring? Any ideas on how to navigate this without feeling like I’m pushing people away?