Life Desk :
Did you know, the way you hold on to your bae when you’re in public, discloses the most intimate details of your relationship? Because when you can’t put your emotions in words, you express them through your body language – raising your eyebrows, biting your lips, tilting your head or leaning towards the person while talking… the list is endless!
Radhika Daman, psychologist, shares that one of the most potent ways to understand the kind of relationship you share with your partner is by identifying the way you hold hands. Says Radhika, “While sex is often viewed as the height of intimacy, in today’s era of casual relationships, hand-holding is actually more intimate because the entwining of fingers is so much more charged emotionally. Though it’s a simple gesture, it symbolises the feelings and thoughts you have towards your partner.” Apart from signifying that you are romantically involved, it also sends out the message that you are proud to be with that person. She adds, “The next time you’re taking a walk, notice who initiates the hand-holding. Usually, the partner who is less secure reaches out. These hints might not always necessarily be entirely true, but they often give an insight into a relationship.”
Find out what your relationship is like:
Down-facing palm
This is one of the most common styles of holding hands. Whoever has their palm facing down and wrist on top is said to be the more dominant partner in the relationship. But don’t worry, it can also mean that this person is protective towards their partner. While men are usually said to take on this position, if you’re an alpha woman who likes taking charge in a relationship, you can do it too.
Tightly interlocked fingers
If you tend to interlock your fingers with your beau, it signifies that you share a deep connection and aren’t in a casual relationship. It also means that though you are physically intimate, you have gone beyond it and have deeper feeling for each other.
The pinky grab
Haters are going to hate and judge you for holding your partner by their little finger, but this is an extremely relaxed and casual way to hold hands. Even though it comes across as a very intimate gesture, it’s actually playful, flirtatious and young.
The wrist grab
On the surface, this gesture may look like you are aggressive, assertive and always want your partner to listen to you. But ironically, you are not only intertwining your hands, but also touching the bottom half of your arms. This shows intimacy and passion and the ‘need and urgency’ to be together.
The over-the-shoulder hand
As intimate as tightly interlocking fingers, this slightly awkward position involves you wrapping your bodies around each other. Apart from the fact that it shows how close a bond you share, it also signifies protectiveness and means that you aren’t afraid to showcase your love in public. Bravo, you are proud of your relationship!
The passive touch
Okay, on face value, the passive touch doesn’t really give out the perception that there’s passion between you two. But it’s a very gentle way to hold hands, and it symbolises tenderness and sweetness in your relationship. Unlike the over-the-shoulder style, this one isn’t boastful.
Holding hands can be good for your health, too!
According to research, this gesture can help reduce stress. A recent study found that, in traumatic situations, anxiety levels can go down when your significant other is holding your hand. Researchers suggest that applying a little pressure when holding hands can calm pain and anxiety, specifically when the area between your thumb and your forefinger is squeezed.
-TNN
