A few months ago I wrote a blog called The Four Influences of Touch History. It is where people mentally go when I ask "What is your association to touch? It breaks down the influence to our likes and dislikes primarily based on our upbringing. I would love to hear your thoughts and comments around experiences based on the four influences below. Do you think there should be more or fewer?
Here is the gist. You can go to the link if you want to read the entire blog. https://tangewellness.com/blog/2021/3/30/2ipvkfhvc2ndivfg7ihn2bhtp1wsar
Cultural
Our cultural influence of touch can be one culture or a combination of multiple cultures. I not only have the American influence of what is acceptable touch but also the Mexican influence as well. How I introduced myself with Americans would be different than how I introduce myself to people from Latin cultures. The difference is a simple handshake vs a handshake and a single kiss on the cheek.
Genetic
Genetics play a significant role in our history of touch. We know humans are physiologically wired and have a need for touch. We have evolved to maintain a social grooming instinct within our groups. People with larger hands vs someone with smaller hands will have more space between their touch receptors which influences how people experience touch. In addition, males vs females appreciate touch differently.
Familial
If you were raised in a house where there were clear attitudes about touch then you have probably grown into your adulthood maintaining those views. People have told me time and time again that once their children go to a certain age they no longer hugged or cuddled with them. These are ideas that children learn within the family unit of what is appropriate and inappropriate touch with family members.
Individual
I believe this to be the greatest influence above and beyond everything else. Here is where positive and negative touch history is stored, which includes abusive touch. If we have had a platonic touch session together, you have probably heard me say that I do not like to be tickled and I do not like to tickle. This is because I was tickled as a child and did not like yet had to endure it because I could not get away. The influence has impacted my children (their familial influence) as I do not allow them to hold each other down and tickle. In an attempt to make sure my children have a positive familial history of touch, I try to be available for a hug or a cuddle no matter how big they get.
