Maya Angelou

"I've learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back." — Maya Angelou Many of the markers of love that we learn when we’re young manifest themselves in the love language of physical touch: hugging, kissing, holding hands, cuddling, and yes, even sex. Individuals who consider physical touch to be their primary love language crave affirmation through small gestures that indicate desirability, comfort, security, or all of the above. An important caveat here is that physical touch is a love language that has consent baked into its core; an unwanted touch could very easily send someone bolting off in the opposite direction. People who consider physical touch to be a part of their love lexicon might also reach out to put a hand on someone’s shoulder when they seem to be distressed, or offer up a hug to show support and express empathy. In other words, physical touch — or any of the love languages — does not always have to be linked to romantic love.