This love language is one of the more common methods that humans use to express affection, often functioning as the default language that people turn to when words or actions don't feel like enough. Physical touch and intimacy are expressions of love that many people define as essential aspects of a healthy relationship, and this innate desire to be touched and held can both enhance and inhibit a relationship's growth. Relationships can survive solely through the physical connections that people share with one another, sometimes limiting the deep emotional stability that this relationship may need to thrive. In contrast, a relationship may be forced to exist in the absence of physical touch as a product of distance, ultimately testing the relationship's ability to utilize other love languages to express affection that would otherwise be expressed through in-person contact. Often times, a relationship's success in this case is based upon an individual's willingness to utilize love languages that require more emotional energy than the physical touch.

 

There are a wide range of acts that can be defined within the love language category of physical touch, including but not limited to: hand holding, hugging, sexual engagement, kissing, caressing, cuddling, and any other action that requires the use of physical touch between two or more consenting parties. This love language can be expressed both romantically and platonically just like all other languages, distinguishable by the nature and contents of the physical touch taking place.

 

A warm embrace can sometimes be the most effective way of showing someone that you care. And yet, while this love language is widely spoken and utilized within various types of relationships, there are also many individuals who would prefer to avoid this form of expression entirely. The degree to which people want to engage in physical touch is dependent upon an individual's previous experiences and their innate desire to be physical with others. Individuals who have experienced trauma related to physical touch are notably less likely to seek out this love language, and therefore are often apprehensive when faced with a relationship that requires or benefits from this form of expression. For this reason along with many others, physical touch is a love language that should always be approached and executed gradually with caution and consent.