In a world increasingly dominated by digital communication and virtual interactions, the value of physical connection often gets overshadowed.
February, the month of love confession; I am not a hugger. The fact is I am awkward when it comes to physical contact. We weren’t a hugging family, and it was hard to express closeness, so I was never really raised with it. Handshakes were the norm. If I had been away for a long time and returned home, my father would give me long, hearty handshakes. Often, we would have the impulse to hug, but since we didn't really do that, it became weird, so the handshake was easier, safer and we were still able to communicate the same feelings: glad you’re home, good to see you, with the handshake and no one was injured.
As I got older and made my way into the world, I started hugging a bit more. If I was doing a play and there was any fighting in it, swords or hand to hand, before rehearsal, it was customary for the fighters involved to hug each other. This said, I am with you, I care about you, I will take care of you, and all will be well. In those moments, I understood that the physical connection was needed; it was reassuring and worth stepping outside my comfort zone so that my scene partner, my fight partner, would know that I had their back.
In cases like those and many others I could name, a text with a hug emoji just would not suffice. The actual physical contact, the human-to-human touch, was needed to let the other person know we were together on this. It’s more than a thought; it is a physical contract, and the hug was needed to solidify that contract.
In our February Humans and Machines chat we continue today with hugs and handshakes. Yes, there is an app or an emoji for that, but the need for physical contact is deeply human, even for those of us who have trouble with it, and it needs to be discussed.
So, as the late great Olivia-Newton John once said, “Let’s get physical.”
In a world increasingly dominated by digital communication and virtual interactions, the value of physical connection often gets overshadowed. However, there's an inherent beauty in the simplicity and sincerity of physical touch, particularly in gestures like heartfelt handshakes and hugs. These acts transcend language barriers, cultural differences, and societal norms, communicating emotions and sentiments that words alone cannot express. In this exploration, we delve into the significance of these gestures, their impact on human relationships, and the profound beauty they bring to our lives.
The Power of Touch
Touch is one of the most primal and fundamental forms of communication among humans. From the moment we are born, we crave physical contact for comfort, security, and emotional well-being. Research has shown that touch plays a crucial role in the development, bonding, and fostering of connections throughout our lives. Whether it's a gentle pat on the back, a warm embrace, or a firm handshake, these gestures convey empathy, support, and understanding in ways that words often cannot.
Handshakes: Symbol of Respect and Trust
The handshake is perhaps one of the most universal and widely recognized forms of greeting and agreement across cultures. It's a gesture steeped in tradition, symbolizing respect, trust, and goodwill. A firm handshake signifies confidence and sincerity, while a limp or weak handshake may convey uncertainty or indifference. Beyond its formalities, a handshake can forge instant connections, establish rapport, and pave the way for meaningful interactions.
Though now the handshake is an everyday, hey, how are you, nice to meet you, type of gesture, it’s interesting to note that in ancient times, the handshake was a way to show the other person that you weren’t carrying a hidden weapon and that you could be trusted.
In professional settings, a firm handshake is often the first point of contact, setting the tone for business negotiations, job interviews, and networking events. It conveys professionalism, reliability, and integrity, leaving a lasting impression on colleagues, clients, and potential employers. Moreover, a well-executed handshake can break down barriers, bridge cultural divides, and build trust in multicultural environments.
However, the significance of handshakes extends far beyond the boardroom. A handshake can signify solidarity, support, and camaraderie in personal relationships. Whether greeting a friend, congratulating a loved one, or expressing condolences, shaking hands fosters a sense of connection and mutual respect. It's a simple yet powerful gesture that transcends social boundaries and fosters a sense of belonging.
Hugs: Embracing the Essence of Humanity
If handshakes are the language of formality, hugs are the language of intimacy and affection. A warm embrace has the power to convey love, comfort, and empathy in the most profound way possible. From childhood embraces with parents to romantic hugs with partners, hugging nurtures emotional bonds, strengthens relationships, and promotes overall well-being.
Scientific studies have shown that hugs release oxytocin, often called the "love hormone," which reduces stress, promotes relaxation and boosts feelings of trust and bonding. This physiological response highlights the profound impact of physical touch on our emotional and mental states. In a world filled with uncertainty and turmoil, a heartfelt hug can provide solace, reassurance, and a sense of security like no other.
Moreover, hugs transcend cultural and linguistic barriers, serving as a universal expression of human connection. Whether it's a tight squeeze between friends, a bear hug from a sibling, or a tender embrace between partners, hugging communicates acceptance, affection, and unconditional support. It's a silent language of the heart that speaks volumes without uttering a word.
Even those like me who have trouble with the more physical expressions of love and acceptance know that there is a vast difference between getting a hug emoji on your smartphone and having a friend appear out of the crowd and wrap you up in a hug. The phrase hug it out has become a laugh line. Still, when you’re in disagreement with someone, and you hug, it helps both parties understand the disagreement isn’t damaging a friendship, that the people are still connected at heart, and that differences can happen without destruction.
Celebrating the Beauty of Physical Connection
In a society increasingly reliant on virtual communication and digital interactions, the value of physical connection cannot be overstated. Handshakes and hugs remind us of our shared humanity, bringing people together in moments of joy, sorrow, and everything in between. They remind us that amid modern life's complexities, the simplest gestures can have the most profound impact.
As we navigate the challenges of the modern world, let us remember the beauty and significance of physical touch. Whether reaching out to shake a hand or offering a warm embrace, let us embrace these gestures wholeheartedly, knowing they can heal, connect, and uplift the human spirit. In celebrating the beauty of heartfelt handshakes and hugs, we celebrate the essence of being human – to love, connect, and find solace in each other's presence.
Are you engaged
I ask this question because, like seeing a table full of your folks, heads bent over their phones, not making eye contact or conversation with anyone at the table, I wonder how connected we are, even when expressing our connections physically.
This will require some personal truths and self-reflection. Be aware when you see someone and hug them, do you keep your phone in your hand? Do you break the hug and immediately look at your phone?
A hug, a good one that says I’m happy to see you, I am here for you, or one of the many other things a hug can communicate; it requires the entire body. Your hands are part of your body. So, if one hand still holds a phone, your whole being is not involved in the hug. What does that say on a deeper psychological level to the person you’re hugging? It says, your words are saying this, but your body is saying this isn’t important enough to put my phone away. You may not be thinking that, but remember, our body language is so much a part of the conversation that a gesture like that can ruin a lovely moment.
Just be aware your body language is a significant part of a conversation, and a hug is a conversation.
Summing Up
Look, heartfelt handshakes and hugs are more than just physical gestures – they express our deepest emotions, connections, and shared humanity. In a world often characterized by division and discord, these simple acts of kindness and compassion serve as reminders of the beauty and power of human connection. So, let us embrace each other with open arms, knowing that in our shared moments of touch, we find strength, comfort, and the profound beauty of physical connection.
You cannot express real emotion through a smartphone unless you’re hurling it at someone in anger, then message received.
