The antonyms for "touching shoulders" include disconnecting, distancing, separating, estranging, and alienating. When people are not touching shoulders, it indicates a lack of physical closeness and emotional connection. It may suggest a sense of individuality or independence, but it can also connote a feeling of isolation or loneliness. In certain contexts, such as during the COVID-19 pandemic, not touching shoulders serves as a practical way to prevent the spread of disease. However, in social situations, touching shoulders can convey intimacy, trust, and support. Ultimately, the antonyms of "touching shoulders" underscore the significance of interconnectedness, both literally and metaphorically.