Why has the practice of holding hands endured through the centuries?

Holding hands is a wonderful gesture of affection and connection that doesn’t offend anyone (the way a steamy public kiss might) and yet symbolizes an intimacy that goes beyond sexual intimacy. Holding your partner’s hand says much more about what the relationship means. It offers comfort. It offers support and promises protection. It proclaims friendship, love, affection and that you are truly partnered in life. When you walk hand-in-hand you are going forward together, bonded to each other.

Not only that but studies have shown that just the touch of a partner’s hand can reduce stress and fear, making you less anxious in stressful situations. Perhaps we learned this sense of security when we were young and a protective parent held our hands as we navigated through childhood. Humans crave touch, and non-sexual touch can create feelings of peace and happiness as well as bestowing other physical benefits.