You are on a date with the cute boy from your science class. He finally asked you on a date after flirting in class for a couple weeks. The date is going well and you really like him. All of a sudden, he reaches for your hand and your heart skips a beat. He is holding your hand! A large smile spreads across your face knowing he likes you too. Now, why is holding hands such an exciting thing? After a while, your hands get sweaty and cramp up. So, what is the big deal? There is actually scientific research that proves hand-holding is more than sweaty hands.

Physical affection in a relationship is essential to said relationship. Cuddling, hugging and kissing show how you are feeling towards a person. Hand holding is put into this category as well. The power of touch, according to Dignity Health, is crucial to the development of humans; starting from a young age. Charles Nelson, who is a professor of pediatrics at Harvard University directed a study with kids in orphanages in Romania. These kids grew up without being held or hugged. According to the study “Many of the children had physical problems and stunted growth, despite receiving proper nutrition”. It is also found that adults without human contact are “more prone to suffer from depression and anxiety disorders…”

Taking the idea that physical touch is important to the development of a person, there is also the social aspect of holding hands. When two people hold hands, it is them saying “we like each other and we are together”. It’s a social statement that they are dating. There is also the feeling of being “shown off” when holding someone’s hand. When holding hands, the other person accepts you and wants to be seen with you. It is a nice feeling to be accepted.

While holding hands is taken mostly in the romantic sense, that’s not always the case. Ever wonder why people hold each other’s hands when getting a shot, piercing their ears, or another painful activity? Science shows that the pressure felt during handholding relieves pain. The Wall Street Journal wrote an essay about how pain can be relieved through hand holding. It talks about how scientists from Johns Hopkins found that applying pressure to “the fleshy area between the thumb and forefinger” will relieve headaches. It even can decrease anxiety. Holding hands brings peace and comfort to those involved.

Holding hands can be helpful in many different ways, so it isn’t that weird. Even though your hands get sweaty and cramp up, the pros outweigh the cons. So, next time you are on that date, hold their hand! Hold your roommates hand! Hold your mom's hand! Everyone should benefit from the perks of hand holding. Show love to everyone and show them that you appreciate them. It never hurts to let someone know that you care about them.