Mind & Mood
More touching can build a stronger relationship
In the journals
Regular hugs and touches can help strengthen your relationship, suggests a study in the June 2020 Journal of Social and Personal Relationships.
Researchers explored the effects of nonsexual intimate touch, such as hugging, holding hands, and cuddling, among 184 couples. The participants completed separate self-reports that recorded the amount of touching in their relationship, their satisfaction with touch, and their overall relationship status.
The results found that higher levels of routine affection were linked with greater satisfaction in one's relationship. Even if people felt anxious about touching, making an effort proved beneficial because their partner recognized the effort of trying to engage. Although the findings could not establish cause and effect, reaching out to your partner this way could be a small gesture that may enhance your relationship.
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