Physical Intimacy - Display of Affection

Display of Affection

People who are on a familiar basis may like to enter into each other's personal space, such as to make physical contact. These can be indicators of affection. The manner in which people display affection is generally different in a public context to a private one. Depending on the nature of the relationship between the people, a public display of affection is generally very constrained by social norms and can range from a gesture such as a kiss or hug in greeting, to an embrace or holding hands. Maintaining eye contact can be regarded socially and psychologically as analogous to touching.

In private, people in an intimate relationship or who are familiar with each other are more at ease with physical intimacy and display of affection, which can involve:

• Cuddling
• Caressing (e.g. Hands and arms)
• Tickling
• Massage (e.g. Neck, back, thighs)
• Leg-to-leg touching

An interpersonal relationship that does not involve sexual activity, such as friendship, may involve display of affection. Friends may avoid physical intimacy to avoid emotions commonly associated with sexuality or emotional intimacy. The definition of "sexual" physical intimacy varies greatly.