We often underestimate the importance of physical interaction with the people we love, we assume that physical contact is not necessary, which means that day after day our connection with others is reduced to words and eye contact. advantage of physical affection.
Our need to define and protect our personal limits at all costs leads us to gradually reduce the amount of physical affection that we show to its smallest expression, to social acceptance, to a meaningless habit that annoys us more and more. Or leaves us empty. for lack of authenticity.
- By treating physical contact in this way.
- We forget how important it is to the well-being of our physical.
- Emotional and mental health.
- Touching another person allows us to convey important messages that words or actions themselves cannot.
In recent decades, much research has been done about the importance of physical affection for the physical and emotional growth of infants and children, several studies and experiments have evaluated the theory that children need contact and affection to grow and develop healthily.
But the importance of physical affection is not only a vital need for children’s development; it’s also for adapting people throughout their lives. People practice what’s called supportive social behavior.
Favourable social behaviour is a voluntary action that benefits the other person, from an evolutionary point of view, by participating in acts of trust and cooperation, social groups survive, acting in an altruistic and mutually beneficial way for all, thus sowing trust between them. That is why physical contact is an essential part of this process of favorable social behavior.
Several studies have shown that the need for skin-to-skin contact and heat can improve weight gain in premature babies, and touching can convey a variety of complex emotions, such as empathy and thanksgiving.
It has also been shown that simply touching someone improves cognitive and emotional development, including reducing susceptibility to depression or slowing the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Being affected by the disease can even contribute to the development of a stronger immune system in all age groups.
Showing physical affection to children is something that is usually natural, especially when children are young. The powerless nature of children makes parents and family members want to protect them, give them a hug.
It is important to be aware of the times when we can have physical contact with children through movements such as taking their hands, stroking their hair, hugging and kissing them, will not spoil children, however strong it may seem, but on the contrary, this intimacy benefits both parties and strengthens the relationship between them.
Over time, it is easy to forget the importance and need for these actions, but children still need this contact and, although they seem to refuse, they certainly appreciate it. Maybe they need it differently, less childish or less excited, maybe privately and not in front of everyone.
Physical intimacy with your partner and affection for family and close friends are also things that we must be more aware of, it is not only about demonstrating the level of comfort we feel with our loved ones, but also about transmitting emotions that go beyond what can be communicated verbally.
Our sexual health is of paramount importance, but many cultures consider certain types of contact to be taboo in certain circumstances. Unfortunately, the idea that sex and physical connection are something that should be practiced for the sole purpose of procreation can cause dysfunction and harm. . This prevents the natural development of sexual desire and the physical need for intimacy.
In this sense, research shows that consensual sexual expression in adults has many health benefits. The experience of sexual pleasure through freed connection and the exchange of physical intimacy is important not only for our emotional development, but also psychological and physical.
A child should not be forced to hug or kiss anyone, even if he or she is a parent, in this way we teach him that it is important to maintain his physical property and autonomy, in order to outline and enforce his limits. , we can educate them to form relationships of trust, where physical contact evolves with mutual consent and affection, rather than impose themselves.
If we force a child to kiss or receive kisses he does not want, we take up arms to defend against possible sexual abuse by an adult, implying that he or she must give in and do what the other asks of him or her. who lie about their feelings and deprive them of how to express their affection for others.
Children should learn about their body as soon as they are able to reason, which is sooner than adults usually think. We have an obligation and responsibility to teach them physical self-determination, facilitate their physical care, and help them transition to independence. why it’s crucial to talk to them about your body, what’s appropriate and inappropriate.