Touchy Subject

Published: Fri, 03/21/14

Hi There - It's Mike & Gayle!

Studies claim we need four hugs a day for maintenance,
eight to be healthy and twelve to thrive.

I'm not sure how accurate that research is - but I'm in!

How many hugs do you and your spouse enjoy daily?

Giving and receiving loving touch frequently with
your spouse makes you healthier and your marriage
happier.

Science Says...
In research studies involving infants who were born
prematurely, when the nurse stroked their arms and
legs with her fingers three times daily for fifteen
minutes each session, the baby gained 47% more weight
daily versus those who were not touched.

Loving touch can save a life. Sadly, the lack of it,
at least among infants, may lead to death.

We were designed to be at our best when socially
connected with others through loving touch.

Don't Be So Touchy!
Some people get kind of touchy about being touched. If
this sounds a little bit like you, then please accept what I'm
about to say in the spirit I'm saying it:

Get over it and be touchy - especially when it involves
your mate!

Remember when you couldn't keep your hands off
of each other? Why not relive those days again.

Getting Started With Touch
How you choose to include the element of touch into your
marriage is of course up to you. But here are some examples
for those who are challenged in the touching department:

  •     Run your fingers through your partner's hair
  •     Hold their hand and warm it up with your own
  •     Gently kiss them on the neck
  •     Touch their leg; squeeze their knee
  •     Rest your hand on the small of their back
  •     Hug them - hold them close for at least 5 seconds
  •     Rub their shoulders
  •     Massage their feet
  •     Put your arm around them
  •     Rest your head on their shoulder
  •     Take a walk hand-in-hand

How Long Has It Been?
How long has it been since you walked up to your spouse and
gave them a hug for no good reason?

When was the last time you surprised them with a sensual kiss?

When was the last time you displayed affection for them in
public by holding their hand?

Touching your spouse sends the message that you actually
like them - and that you enjoy touching them.

Let your feelings of love, warmth, compassion, flow from your
heart into your mate by touching them lovingly.

This world is cold enough. Warm up your marriage with loving
touch and watch your love for each other deepen and grow.

Until next time, this is Mike & Gayle and we want you
to be mad about marriage!