6 benefícios cientificamente comprovados de andar de mãos dadas e 10 coisas que isso diz sobre a sua relação

Nos encontros modernos, parece que alguns hábitos que eram reservados aos casais no passado desapareceram.

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.

No entanto, esta demonstração pública de afeto é raramente vista hoje em dia.

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.

Assim, em vez de trabalharem a sua ligação em cada minuto que passam juntos, deixam a intimidade apenas para o quarto e passam a maior parte do tempo fora dele, comportando-se como completos estranhos.

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 mãos dadas

1. Dedos mindinhos frouxamente entrelaçados

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.

Bem, na verdade, não mudou muita coisa na sua vida adulta, mesmo que não se aperceba disso.

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.

Bem, embora este gesto também seja utilizado por pessoas em relações de longa duração, é mais típico para quem está a tentar estabelecer uma primeira ligação.

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 acidental de flirt

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?

Deixem-me dizer-vos que nada é acidental. É, de facto, um dos sinais de linguagem corporal de uma forte química entre duas pessoas.

Você e o objeto do seu afeto sentem-se tão intensamente atraídos um pelo outro que nem sequer se apercebem do seu desejo de contacto físico.

No entanto, os vossos corpos são-no definitivamente e atraem-se uns aos outros como ímanes.

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 os dedos bem entrelaçados

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.”

Além disso, este é também um sinal de que o seu parceiro está mais do que orgulhoso de o ter como seu.

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. Mãos envoltas umas nas outras

Neste caso, a outra pessoa está definitivamente a tentar adquirir uma ligação mais profunda consigo. Quando ela procura um toque de pele, tem o desejo de que os dois se tornem um só.

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.

Estão prontos para ser o seu anjo da guarda e o seu salvador, o que é extremamente precioso e raro.

5. Aperto de mão

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 outro lado, em momentos de dor física ou emocional, este aperto firme também pode ser um sinal de que alguém está lá para si.

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. Pega leve

No lado oposto deste aperto apertado está um aperto mais leve. Neste caso, as mãos estão basicamente na mesma posição que no tipo anterior, mas a diferença está na intensidade da preensão.

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. Mãos a meter a colher

I’m sure you’re familiar with the term spooning. It is a cuddling or posição de dormir em que você e o seu ente querido se deitam um ao lado do outro, de costas um para o outro, lado a lado.

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. Segurar os 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.

Querem dizer-lhe algo ou dar-lhe notícias de que poderá não gostar, mas estão à procura da melhor forma de o fazer.

No entanto, apesar de esta pega ser suave e carinhosa, é também algo com que se deve ter 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. Pega de pulso

Esta é outra técnica de controlo que o seu parceiro pode utilizar e que também pode ser vista como um atrelado à violência 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. Dar a mão por cima do ombro

De todos os tipos de mão, este é o mais protetor.

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

Segurar a mão por cima do ombro mostra posse e orgulho da pessoa que está ao seu lado.

Significado de não segurar na mão

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.

No entanto, a sua relação pode oferecer um cenário 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.

Se isto é algo com que se identifica, o melhor que tem a fazer é tentar iniciar o contacto físico, sem esperar que ele dê o primeiro passo.

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.

Será que o seu parceiro a está a esconder do mundo porque quer deixar a impressão de ser solteiro, para se poder atirar a outras pessoas?

Poderá ser você a pessoa com quem ele está a trair o cônjuge, sem que você se aperceba disso, e por isso ele precisa de se certificar de que ninguém assume que vocês são um casal?

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.

A ciência por detrás do profundo poder de dar as mãos

Ultimamente, os cientistas têm explorado o fenómeno da sincronização interpessoal, em que as pessoas têm o hábito de se espelharem nos seus entes queridos.

Pavel Goldstein, um investigador da dor, conduziu uma experiência que incluiu 32 casais e que tinha como objetivo explorar os benefícios reais do toque físico, um dos quais incluía dar as mãos.

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.

E os resultados afirmam de forma conclusiva que o poder do toque empático é enorme.

De todas as formas de toque físico, de acordo com a directora do Touch Research Institute, a Dra. Tiffany Field, segurar a mão é a mais benéfica.

No seu novo estudo, a Dra. Tiffany Field recorda-nos que a nossa pele cobre todo o nosso corpo, mas é também um órgão sensível que necessita de estimulação constante.

6 Benefícios cientificamente comprovados de pegar na mão

1. Hormona do amor

Os investigadores provam que o toque humano desencadeia ondas cerebrais que são responsáveis pela sensação de felicidade.

Simplificando, sempre que dá as mãos, o seu cérebro liberta oxitocina (a hormona do amor), que desempenha um papel significativo em todas as suas interacções e relações sociais, incluindo as românticas.

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. Reduz as hormonas do stress

Outro benefício para a saúde de dar as mãos é o facto de reduzir os níveis de hormonas do stress no corpo.

Quando dá as mãos, as ondas cerebrais que libertam o stress no seu corpo ficam muito mais calmas e, dessa forma, a sua ansiedade torna-se muito mais suportável.

3. Aumenta a intimidade

Um dos mais importantes benefícios cientificamente comprovados deste tipo de sincronização interpessoal é, sem dúvida, a ligação entre si e o seu parceiro romântico quando dão as mãos.

Muitos pensam que a intimidade está reservada apenas para o quarto e, quando ouvem as palavras toque físico, pensam que se refere apenas ao sexo.

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

Por vezes, basta que se olhem profundamente nos olhos e se dêem as mãos, sem terem de se beijar ou acariciar de outra forma, para que a vossa ligação seja aprofundada.

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. Controlo da dor

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.

A dor continua a ser altamente controlável pelo toque humano, uma vez que reduz a atividade das ondas cerebrais que libertam sinais de dor.

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. Ajuda-o a superar o medo

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.”

Portanto, é claro: o aperto de mão afasta o medo e as inseguranças.

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. Bom para a saúde

Conhecendo a ciência por detrás do poder de dar as mãos, é mais do que evidente que esta forma de sincronização interpessoal é benéfica para a sua saúde em mais do que um sentido.

Para além de libertar oxitocina, que o faz sentir mais feliz e satisfeito, este simples toque também tem um bom efeito nas suas ondas cerebrais, diminui a sua pressão arterial e ritmo cardíaco e tem um impacto positivo no seu bem-estar mental e emocional.

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