Is there a person in your circle who constantly wants to touch you, hug you, hold your hand? Or perhaps you yourself easily initiate physical contact? How sensitive are you to the quality of bed linen, the softness of towels and the texture of interior items?
A tactile person is a person for whom physical contact is an integral part of communication and the main way of perceiving the surrounding space.
Physical contact is important for humans from birth. But some people may experience discomfort from frequent hugs. This is how a conflict arises against the background of a high or low need for tactile communication.
In this article, we will look at why touch is necessary and how to cope with tactile hunger.
In our world, tactile sensations play an important role in interaction. But we can have different channels of information perception:
A tactile person is a kinesthetic person by the type of information perception. These are those for whom physical contacts are the most important way to convey emotions and feelings. Such people perceive the world around them through their sensations. It is important for them not only to see and hear, but also to feel.
A tactile person literally needs physical contact. Shaking hands, patting on the shoulder, touching, hugging, and kissing help him feel connected to others.
You may not realize that your behavior or mood is driven by an increased need for physical interaction. But it has a profound effect on your emotional state and happiness.
There are several characteristic signs to understand whether you are a tactile person or not:
Minimum distance
Such people often come close to their interlocutors and like to hold their hands or just touch them.
Preference for touch
They value hugs when greeting, not just words.
Attention to textures
When choosing clothes and household items, they check by touch how pleasant the materials are to the skin.
Need for physical support
They feel more comfortable when they can interact with others through touch.
As psychologists note, tactility is formed in childhood. The need for physical closeness is associated with the norms of interaction accepted in the family. Hugs with loved ones, "cuddling", kisses on the cheek goodbye, walks "holding hands", the habit of snuggling up to mom... All this creates certain neural connections and a connection between physical contact and safety.
Here are some examples of how human tactility manifests itself in interaction with the environment:
Initiate physical contact in communication
For example, when meeting, tactile people not only greet each other, but also hug each other, which creates a warmer and more trusting atmosphere.
They choose things "by touch"
When choosing clothes or household items, they focus not only on appearance, but also on their feelings. They can spend hours choosing clothes or furniture, paying attention to texture and comfort.
Touching, hugging with loved ones
For example, picking up small children or pets. They feel the need to be physically close to those they care about.
Body practices and physical activity as a resource
When tired and overtired, it is important for a tactile person to restore contact with the body, so they choose yoga, dancing, massage, and spa.