Touching

Scientist have now discovered that touch also shapes our minds and health. Generally, successful and self-confident people feel free to touch others than shy, unsure ones. In daily life women use and accept touching far more than men do, and are more sensitive to touch everywhere from their fingertips to their toes. Men, who tend to perceive uninvited touch as a sign of dominance and of their own vulnerability, more often react to touch with tension. Some touch messages may be easily misinterpreted. A brief touch on shoulder, elbow or hand is usually friendly. But when someone of the opposite sex touches you, does it convey friendliness, a sexual enticement or harassment? A lingering touch on the hand, face or neck is likely to be something more. A pat on the head can be patronizing, conveying ‘I am the adult, you the child’.