6 beneficios científicamente probados de cogerse de la mano y 10 cosas que dice sobre tu relación de pareja

En las citas modernas, parece que algunos hábitos que en el pasado estaban reservados a las parejas han desaparecido.

It’s as if little things which bring two people together have gone out of style and most just proceed to sleeping together, without any physical preparation.

One of those habits is hand holding. A few years ago, it was unimaginable for a couple to walk next to each other without holding their partner’s hand in theirs or without hugging each other.

Sin embargo, esta muestra pública de afecto rara vez se ve hoy en día.

In fact, most couples aren’t certain about the future of their relationship, don’t want to label things, or are seeing other people so they probably don’t want to be classified as boyfriend and girlfriend by anyone they encounter.

Así, en lugar de trabajar su conexión cada minuto que pasan juntos, dejan la intimidad sólo para el dormitorio y pasan la mayor parte del tiempo fuera de él comportándose como completos extraños.

Surprisingly, the same goes for couples who have been together for ages: They don’t run away from exclusivity, but instead, are convinced that they’re too old or too mature for PDA and that holding hands is inappropriate for their age.

Well, if this is something you can relate to, what you probably don’t know is how powerful hand holding actually is and how it can reveal a lot about your relationship.

And you’re likely not familiar with all of its scientifically proven benefits for your mental, emotional, and physical health – not to mention your romance.

That is why we’re here – to open your eyes and tell you everything you need to know about this ancient couples’ ritual that has stuck around up to today. To reveal to you the magic of holding hands.

10 tipos de cogerse de la mano

1. Dedos meñiques entrelazados sin apretar

Remember when we were kids and when pinky promise meant literally everything? You could have sworn to your dearest ones, but not until you’d interlock your pinky fingers would the other person believe you.

Bueno, en realidad no ha cambiado mucho en tu edad adulta, aunque quizá no seas consciente de ello.

When you and your partner’s pinky fingers are loosely intertwined, this move still conveys a strong message of trust and bond.

They’re showing you that they’re there for you and not going anywhere. That you can rely on them, no matter what, and that you can trust them with your life.

At first sight, this type of hand hold doesn’t appear to be so significant, but actually, it is quite romantic and cute, especially for new couples.

When you’re just getting to know someone, you’re testing how far you can go and you’re waiting for their feedback.

Pues bien, aunque este apretón de manos también lo utilizan las personas que mantienen relaciones duraderas, en realidad es más típico de quienes intentan establecer una primera conexión.

You don’t want to firmly grip your loved one just yet, but you want to tell them and the rest of the world they’re yours.

2. Toque coqueto accidental

How many times have your hands accidentally touched someone else’s in a flirty way? For example, you’re sitting or just passing by one another and somehow, your hands end up touching theirs?

Permítanme decirles que aquí nada es casual. De hecho, es una de las señales del lenguaje corporal de una fuerte química entre dos personas.

Usted y el objeto de su afecto se sienten tan intensamente atraídos que ni siquiera son conscientes de su deseo de contacto físico.

Sin embargo, sus cuerpos sí lo son y se atraen como imanes.

If this is happening for the first time with your friend, a coworker, or someone you have no romantic connection with whatsoever, it’s about time to reexamine your feelings and see whether there is something more going on between you two.

On the other hand, if this is someone you’re into, congratulations, because this simple act is a clear sign that they feel the same way about you, and a green light for you to make a move and do something about your emotions.

At first, this kind of touch can seem awkward and it’s possible that both of you may instinctively step back, afraid of what you just felt. Nevertheless, after a while, it becomes your trademark-something you two do every time you meet.

Even though this accidental touch is not an actual hand-hold, it’s still quite powerful. It tells the other person everything you’re scared or overly shy to verbalize – that you like them and want to bond with them in the future.

3. Todos los dedos entrelazados

This type of hand hold is usually reserved for couples only. It is a clear message for the entire world, that says, “This person is mine and I have no intention of letting them go.”

Además, también es señal de que tu pareja está más que orgullosa de tenerte como suya.

They want the entire world to know that you’re the only one they love, they have your back, and you two are a couple.

When someone holds your hand in this manner, trust me on one thing: They’re not fooling around. They’re not playing you; they want something serious with you.

4. Manos entrelazadas

En este caso, la otra persona está intentando establecer una conexión más profunda contigo. Cuando buscan un contacto más profundo, lo que desean es que los dos os convirtáis en uno solo.

You’re now a team and nothing and nobody can stand in your way. You’re stronger together and you’ll never let each other down.

This type of hand hold shows that the other person cares for you deeply. They wouldn’t abandon you during hard times and are there to protect you from everything bad life might throw at you.

They’re actually using their body language to reassure you that you’re safe around them because they’ll be your shield against every storm.

Están dispuestos a ser tu ángel de la guarda y tu salvador, lo cual es extremadamente precioso y raro.

5. Agarre firme

There are two possible meanings behind a tight grip; it depends on the situation you’re currently in.

First and foremost, this can be seen as a sign of your partner’s desire for dominance.

If they’re pushing your hand down, they probably want to indicate that you’re beneath them and the submissive one in this relationship.

It might be that they’re insecure about you and your feelings towards them, so they’re trying to reassure you, themselves, and the rest of the world that you’re theirs.

To put things simply, they’re subconsciously trying to mark their territory and claim possession.

Por otro lado, en momentos de dolor físico o emocional, este agarre firme también puede ser una señal de que alguien está ahí para ti.

They’re showing you the strength of their compassion and empathy and are making sure you know they don’t have any intention of leaving you hanging.

So, how exactly can you recognize your loved one’s intentions when they hold your hand with a tight grip? Well, it all depends on how this hand hold makes you feel.

Do you feel safe and sound and like nothing can harm you? Or do you feel like they’re trying to put you down and hold you back with this gesture?

Either way, what’s important is to follow your intuition and to listen to your heart (pay attention to your physical heart rate) because that is where you’ll find all the answers you need.

6. Agarre ligero

En el lado opuesto de este agarre apretado hay un agarre más ligero. Aquí tus manos están básicamente en la misma posición que en el tipo anterior, pero la diferencia está en la intensidad del agarre.

This type of hand holding is usually reserved for public places and it’s a kind of a background activity: You two are talking with somebody or are doing something else, but still want to touch each other.

Even though the light grip doesn’t appear to be a sign of strong connection, it is actually quite significant.

It shows that no matter who you’re with, where you are, and how busy you are, you always need each other’s touch and presence.

7. Manos cuchara

I’m sure you’re familiar with the term spooning. It is a cuddling or posición para dormir en la que usted y su ser querido yacen uno junto al otro, espalda contra espalda, uno al lado del otro.

Well, there is something called hands spooning as well. It is a situation in which your partner’s hand literally spoons yours (or the other way around).

If you’re wondering what this symbolizes, let me tell you that is actually a form of cuddling in public.

Your partner clearly wants to hold you in their arms, hug you, and be as close to you as possible, but you’re not in private so this is the next best thing to do.

It doesn’t matter how old you are, it’s never appropriate to be all over each other outside the bedroom.

So, if you have the desire to cuddle, just engage in this hand spooning and all of a sudden, you’ll feel much more connected to your significant other.

8. Sujetarse los dedos

When your partner is holding all or most of your fingers in their hand, they’re probably trying to make a point or get some sense into you.

Quieren decirte algo o darte una noticia que quizá no te guste, pero buscan la mejor manera de hacerlo.

Sin embargo, a pesar de que este apretón de manos es suave y cariñoso, también es algo con lo que hay que tener cuidado.

Maybe they’re trying to persuade into accepting or agreeing on something you normally wouldn’t, as this is the type of hand holding manipulators often use to change their victim’s mind and convince them of something they want you to believe.

9. Agarre de muñeca

Se trata de otra técnica de control que puede utilizar tu pareja y que también puede considerarse un avance hacia la violencia física.

It is quite possible that this is your partner’s way of regaining control over you and telling you they’re in charge.

However, it’s completely different if this wrist grip takes place during sex.

Here, dominant and submissive positions can just be a part of role playing and don’t have to necessarily relate much to real life.

10. Tomarse de la mano por encima del hombro

De todos los tipos de sujeción de la mano, éste es el más protector.

It’s usually the man putting his arm over the woman’s shoulder and their hands end up interlocked somewhere on her body.

Cogerse de la mano por encima del hombro demuestra posesión y orgullo de la persona que tienes al lado.

Significado de no cogerse de la mano

Let’s be honest. Even though this form of touch is not the only measurement of a happy love life, when you see a couple holding hands, you immediately know that they’re an item and assume they care for each other.

Sin embargo, su relación puede ofrecer un escenario completamente diferente.

In today’s dating world, it’s not uncommon for a romantic couple to not show any PDA. Of course, there’s nothing wrong with this if you both agree on it.

However, a problem occurs if you need your partner’s touch while they couldn’t care less about providing it to you outside the bedroom.

You can’t help but wonder what the problem is and why they refuse to hold hands with you.

I won’t lie to you. This can be a red flag you should pay more attention to.

First and foremost, it is quite weird that your significant other doesn’t have the need to touch you. Their body and skin don’t crave for your presence and that’s something to be worried about.

There’s a possibility that they don’t care enough for you or are emotionally unavailable. Maybe they’re scared of letting their guard down or need more time to completely relax in front of you.

Si te sientes identificada, lo mejor que puedes hacer es intentar iniciar el contacto físico, sin esperar a que ellos den el primer paso.

Then observe their reaction carefully: Are they relieved that you took their hand so they didn’t have to do it, or did they back out?

Another reason behind this behavior might be the fact that they’re not one hundred percent faithful.

¿Podría ser que tu pareja te esté ocultando al mundo porque quiere dejar la impresión de estar soltero, para poder ligar con otras personas?

¿Podrías ser tú con la que está engañando a su cónyuge, sin que tú ni siquiera seas consciente de ello, por lo que necesitan asegurarse de que nadie asume que sois pareja?

Either way, the best thing in this situation is to be honest and tell your significant other what’s bothering you.

Maybe you’re just making a fuss about nothing and they’re not even aware that you two have different cravings when it comes to physical touch outside the sheets.

La ciencia tras el profundo poder de darse la mano

Últimamente, los científicos han estado explorando el fenómeno de la sincronización interpersonal, en el que las personas tienen la costumbre de reflejar a sus seres queridos.

Pavel Goldstein, investigador del dolor, realizó un experimento en el que participaron 32 parejas y cuyo objetivo era explorar los beneficios reales del contacto físico, uno de los cuales es cogerse de la mano.

Pavel Goldstein investigated the changes that occur in brain waves of these couples when they’re just near each other and especially when they touch one another.

Y los resultados afirman concluyentemente que el poder del contacto empático es enorme.

De todas las formas de contacto físico, según la directora del Instituto de Investigación del Contacto, la Dra. Tiffany Field, cogerse de la mano es la más beneficiosa.

En su nuevo estudio, la Dra. Tiffany Field nos recuerda que nuestra piel cubre todo nuestro cuerpo, pero también es un órgano sensible que necesita estimulación constante.

6 beneficios científicamente probados de cogerse de la mano

1. La hormona del amor

Los investigadores demuestran que el tacto humano desencadena ondas cerebrales responsables de la sensación de felicidad.

En pocas palabras, cada vez que te coges de la mano, tu cerebro libera oxitocina (la hormona del amor), que desempeña un papel importante en todas tus interacciones sociales y relaciones, incluidas las románticas.

In fact, every physical touch by your loved ones – and not just hand holding – releases oxytocin, lowers your blood pressure, makes you feel loved, wanted, and better in general.

2. Reduce las hormonas del estrés

Otro beneficio para la salud de cogerse de la mano es que reduce los niveles de hormonas del estrés en el organismo.

Cuando te coges de la mano, las ondas cerebrales que liberan estrés en tu cuerpo se calman mucho y, así, tu ansiedad se hace mucho más llevadera.

3. Fomenta la intimidad

Uno de los beneficios más importantes demostrados científicamente de este tipo de sincronización interpersonal es, sin duda, el vínculo que se crea entre usted y su pareja romántica cuando se cogen de la mano.

Muchos piensan que la intimidad sólo está reservada al dormitorio y cuando oyen las palabras contacto físico, creen que sólo se refiere al sexo.

However, intimacy is much more than this. It’s built through every tiny aspect of your relationship.

A veces, bastará con que tú y tu pareja os miréis profundamente a los ojos y os cojáis de la mano, sin necesidad siquiera de besaros o abrazaros de alguna otra forma, para que vuestra conexión se profundice.

Hand holding brings you closer to each other and it makes your relationship way stronger. It builds trust and helps you two unite in ways you couldn’t even dream of.

4. 4. Control del dolor

When little babies are in pain, one of the best therapies has proven to be a simple act of their mother’s physical touch. Well, that doesn’t change much as we grow older.

El dolor sigue siendo altamente controlable mediante el tacto humano, ya que reduce la actividad de las ondas cerebrales que liberan señales de dolor.

Even if hand holding doesn’t make you feel physically better, it will definitely make you feel more at ease.

You know that you aren’t alone and have someone next to you, who won’t abandon you in the hardest of times.

5. Te ayuda con el miedo

A famous holding hands quote says: “Holding hands is a promise that, just for a moment, the two of you don’t have to face the world alone.”

Por lo tanto, está claro: coger de la mano ahuyenta el miedo y las inseguridades.

It helps you feel safe and like you’re home. Just a simple touch by another human being can change your entire perspective on things.

Sometimes, you might feel helpless and just someone else’s presence – let alone their hand in yours – gives you hope that everything will be alright and turn out for the best.

When you’re holding hands with someone you love, you feel more powerful and stronger. You two are united and fearless, and there is nothing you can’t accomplish together.

6. Bueno para la salud

Conociendo la ciencia que hay detrás del poder de cogerse de la mano, está más que claro que esta forma de sincronización interpersonal es beneficiosa para la salud en más de un sentido.

Además de liberar oxitocina, que te hace sentir más feliz y contento, este simple toque también tiene un buen efecto en tus ondas cerebrales, disminuye tu presión sanguínea y tu ritmo cardíaco, y tiene un impacto positivo en tu bienestar mental y emocional.

So, what exactly are you waiting for? Grab your husband or wife’s hand and start practicing it regularly!