Our ability to become emotionally involved with other
and to be vulnerable to them directly related to our experiences
of having been stroked, caressed and cuddled in our lives.
We learn security from warmth of being held close.
Before both, a baby is enveloped in the soft warm embrace of the womb.
After birth, the child who is left untouched and uncuddled
will form a bond with anything given to touch, such as stuffed toy
If all human tactile experience is denied, the baby will eventually die.
Our need for touch continues throughout our lifetime
In fact, our body chemistry actually changes
when we are physically close to another person
When a person is touched, the amount of hemoglobin in the blood
which carries oxygen and helps prevent diseases
and speed recovery from illness increase significantly
In one animal study,
rabbits that were held close and stroked often
developed less hardening of the arteries than stroked, unhugged rabbits!
If you are uncomfortable
with intimacy or close contact,
you can learn to become comfortable
It will require effort, but the results will be worth it!
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