Touch is a way of communication that refers to any physical contact between people. Life begins by the first touch of a doctor. Human beings cannot touch without being touched themselves. The feelings that accompany physical touch differ accordingly to circumstances. These feelings could be incredibly pleasant, if they come from lovers and annoying, if come from unfamiliar people. It is hard to imagine the physical relationship between a man and a woman without a touch. A person shows his/her love by touching those whom he/she cares about. It could be expressed in the form of hugging, holding, or stroking. Close relationships are not possible without touch.
The first type of touch refers to touch among relatives, friends, parents and children. Touch is the way of communication in family relationship. This kind of touch is full of warmness and care. When I was a kid, I got used to wait for my parents to come back from work; I felt excited to see them. I also wanted physical contact as a proof of their love. The kiss, hug or cuddle from parents was the way I felt secure and loved. It is not normal if a kid grows up without being consoled by parents. Margaret Chuong-Kim declares in her article “The Health Benefits of Physical Touch” that “gentle touch facilitates physical and psychological functioning, particularly in terms of reducing stress, relieving pain, increasing the ability to cope, and general health ratings”. Thus, touch not only brings pleasure, but also enhances person’s health. For instance, my mother used to stroke my head when I had a headache. Her hands helped me better than any medicine against any pain. Her touches are force in overcoming of any disease for me. I myself express my love by touching the people I adore. For instance, I love and respect my friends. If I want to express my feelings to them, I hug them. That makes me feel happy.
The second type is the touch that applies to lovers; the one that is described mainly as sexual relation. Every touch can express sympathy, appreciation, admiration and a sexual interest. Holding hands, kissing and embracing are related to how partners show love to each other. Touch is able to describe love without words. I can say no words, still I can kiss my lover when I am going outside and coming home to show my concern about him. Physical closeness encourages development in relationship of lovers. Physical touch is a confirmation of attraction to a certain person, the acknowledgement that she/he is wanted and praised. Rare physical contacts are evidence of problems in a relationship. Rare touches represent the infrequent need of physical contact that can be a sign of some coldness and lack of interest in physical contact. When partners do not get enough of physical contact in relationships, troubled thoughts come to mind about the change of the partner’s concerns. They begin to ask themselves, “Maybe she or he is not interested any more in me? Am I not satisfying him/her enough?” This example is an evidence of significance of touch in a relationship.
Moreover, touch in a relationship can be divided into two categories, i.e. sexual and non-sexual. Both are important in a relationship. There is the opinion that men care only about sexual touch, and men’s physical contact contain the sexual message, while women are more interested in non-sexual contact. It was proven that the first year of relationship of men and women is accompanied with intensive sexual than nonsexual contact. However, there is more of non-sexual contact in following years. Though different, both kinds support and maintain the relationship between couples.
Thus, touch is a powerful communication tool that makes life happier and healthier. There is no way to avoid physical contact among people. The psychologist Ofer Zur points out in his article “To Touch or Not To Touch: Exploring the Myth of Prohibition On Touch In Psychotherapy And Counseling” that “touch is often referred to as the mother of all senses’ as it is the first sense to develop in the embryo and all other senses-sight, sound, taste, and smells are derived from it”. Touch is the way of life for human beings. Touch advances a good mind and a good soul. It is a powerful tool in relationships, and familiarization with its effects is an influential way to get success in correlation.
Works Cited
Chuong-Kim, Margaret. “The Health Benefits of Physical Touch.” Dr. Ben Kim Experience Your Best Health. 13 June 2005. 20 Oct. 2007 <http://drbenkim.com/articles-healing-touch.html>.
Powel, Blaine. “Touch in Loving Relationships: Creating Safety, Showing Affection, & Improving Sexuality.” WALMSLEY & ASSOCIATES. 20 Oct. 2007 <http://www.walmsley.ca/counselling/resources/factsheets/touch.php>.
Zur, Ofer and Nola Nordmarken. “To Touch or Not To Touch: Exploring the Myth of Prohibition On Touch In Psychotherapy And Counseling.” Zur Institute Innovative recourses and Continuing Education. 2004. 20 Oct. 2007 <http://www.drzur.com/touchintherapy.html>.
