by Sam E. Jones

Created on: May 28, 2010

To be physically touched by another human being is to feel not just the physical effects of skin against skin, but the human connection that exists between two people. To be touched has implications, nuance and meaning.

Every human being has an innate need to be touched. From the first moments after birth, to our last breaths here on Earth, we want and need to be touched. Not only does it soothe our souls, but it helps to keep us connected with the physical world. If we only wander about looking at things or touching things ourselves, we tend to become very isolated and in some ways alone. The touch of another breaks that bubble and causes us to once again remember that we are more than just the thoughts that pass through our minds.

 And because there is such an effect on people when touched, there lies a power of sorts in being the one that chooses to touch another. By doing so, we can soothe another, or calm them; we can convey condolences or support, or beg for intimacy. The power of the human touch is such that it can at times even be used as a tool of manipulation or a means to an end.

People feel such a strong need to be touched that sometimes they go to great lengths to make it happen for themselves; they buy animals that will touch them, or go see prostitutes or massage therapists. They get in fist-fights or resort to pleading and begging; or worse they use their strength advantage or a weapon to force another to touch them. The power of touch is indeed strong, as is the lack of being touched.

In doling out a touch, people rarely consider its heavy impact, nor the repercussions of their simple act. They see someone in pain and only want to make them feel better; or they want someone to understand that they have truly missed them after having been apart for a time. They shake hands, or hug, or reach over and touch a cheek, a hand, or an arm. All silent cues chock full of meaning for the two parties involved. All powerful gestures meant to convey something different, yet underneath it all, very much the same.

The human touch is powerful because of its underlying meaning, but also because, inherent in every touch, is the realization that in touching, we are giving of ourselves to another, a simple gift.

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