The 9 types of caresses (and what they express)

Caresses are acts that seek contact with another person and that we perform with different objectives depending on the bond we have or the subject to whom we perform them.

In this way, there are different types of caresses directed at different parts of the body that entail a different level of intimacy. We do not caress everyone, since this contact is linked to a closer type of relationship.

Likewise, depending on the part of the body that we caress, the meaning will also vary. There are caresses that can demonstrate a more seductive or sensual intention; instead, others demonstrate a brotherly bond.

In this article we will talk about the types of caresses and what distinguishing features each display.

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What are caresses?

We understand by caress an act of searching, of interpersonal approach, of seeking interaction with another person, normally expressing affection or love. That is, it is linked to a positive emotion.

Human beings are social beings, and as such we need contact with other people

. Communication is a very important factor that allows us to relate and establish links, there being different types of communication, not all we express it verbally, but we can also use our body to transmit what we feel, communication that we know as non verbal.

The caresses would therefore be a way of approaching and seeking proximity with other subjects, thus trying to establish a link between the two, this type of communication being closer than verbal, that the language. This communicative act is essential in the first years of life, since it helps the correct development of the child, being able to establish an attachment relationship with another subject who will be perceived as a figure of protection and support.

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The main types of caresses and their meaning

Now that we know better what we understand by caress, we will focus on specifying what type of caresses exist depending on which part of the body we caress and what meaning they can have.

1. Caresses on the face

When we caress someone's face we are expressing a certain degree of intimacy and trust. The purpose is to communicate our affection towards the other person, that they do not feel alone, that they notice our support and that they know that they can count on us, we try to calm them down and relax.

Thus we can see this type of caresses in fraternal relationships, father-son, in this case these types of acts help to establish and strengthen the bond, the relationship of attachment, conveying to the child that we love him, that he can count on us for whatever he wants and making it easier for him to calm down at times when he feels restless or has fear. This physical contact is essential during the development of the child so that it is adequate.

Likewise, we also observe this kind of caresses in couple relationships, this being also a sign of affection and esteem towards the other person. We express that we care about the other person and that we care about their well-being, thus helping to increase intimacy and trust between the two.

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2. caresses on the arm

The caresses on the arm is a type of caresses used with high frequency, especially between subjects who already know and appreciate each other, such as friends or family. The objectives for which this act is performed may be different, the most common are express support for a person, tell him that he can count on us and has us for whatever he wants, and convey affection and that we care about how you feel, as well as helping to reassure you and make you feel more secure.

These types of caresses are comforting, helping and motivating the subject to move forward and feel more secure and accompanied in the actions that he must carry out.

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3. Caresses face to face

Face to face caresses are a kind of caresses that exhibit a high level of intimacy and trust, since the union and closeness that is achieved between both subjects is very close. For this reason, we usually see this type of caress between individuals with a very close emotional bond, such as parents and children, or between couples who have been together for a long time or have a consolidated relationship.

In this way, it is a way of expressing affection, that we care about the other person and that we are really committed to him/her. The degree of intimacy and connection that this type of caress supposes is also linked to the parts of the body involved. That is to say, we do not use our hands, as normally happens, but the way to transmit comfort is with our forehead and of the other person, parts located on the face that, as we have already said, is related to greater affection and esteem towards the other subject.

4. caresses on the head

Cavities on the head, whether in the hair or on the scalp, are also a sign of aggression and affection. Playing with the other person's hair or helping to comb it with our hands is a sign of concern and care towards the other person, be aware of his well-being and make him feel comfortable.

Likewise, when we pat the head we also intend to reassure and calm the other person. It helps to relax and reduce body tension, reducing stress or physical and mental activation.

5. Caresses on the neck

Caresses on the neck are more closely linked to a more romantic relationship, that is, they are usually observed between subjects who are a couple or have some type of sexual-affective relationship. Thus, caressing the neck entails an increase in intimacy and trust, being able to also appreciate other nearby areas such as the ears and hair already mentioned.

This type of caress can be observed in a situation where the intention is more seductive, more sexual or in a situation more affected by the demonstration of greater intimacy and union.

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6. caresses on the back

caresses on the back show a different objective or intention, they can be carried out in a fraternal way, between family or friends, seeking to convey a feeling of support, security, confidence, comfort or even calm and tranquility. They can also be observed in couple or romantic relationships with the intention of exciting or activating the other individual, in this case the connotation is more sexual.

In this way, depending on the way they are carried out, the subject to whom they are addressed or the situation where the we execute share more or less intimacy and are linked with different types of intention, support or sexual.

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7. Caresses on the legs

Caresses on the legs are usually related to a seductive or romantic objective, that is, seen mostly in couples or romantic relationships. Caressing the legs also involves a certain degree of trust and intimacy, since it is not an area that we allow touch everyone, reserving for people with whom we really feel safe and for whom we feel affected. Thus, although it can also be done with the purpose of calming or transmitting affection or comfort, as we have already seen, it is usually observed more in a situation with sexual or seductive intention.

8. caresses on the shoulder

Caresses in men can be related to different purposes, also depending on who performs them. A) Yes, we can caress or touch the man to try to convince or motivate someone to carry out a type of action, in this case the link between the two will be less close, it will entail a lower degree of intimacy. They can also be done with the purpose of calming or comforting the other person, helping them feel calmer.

In the same way, it also works as a show of support for the other, conveying that we are by her side and that he can count on us for whatever he wants. If the bond is closer, such as a parent-child relationship or a relationship with a partner, caresses on the shoulder will express greater affection and esteem; On the other hand, if the relationship is less intense, the objective is usually related to an attempt to convince the other.

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9. caresses in the hand

Caresses in the hand can have different meanings or intentions depending on who performs the act of caressing. If a family member does so, it may be for the purpose of providing support or esteem. We are expressing that we care about the person and we want them to know it. If it is done in a romantic relationship, it is usually linked to a show of comfort and a show of being by her side.

Likewise, it can also be used as a claim for attention, to draw the attention of someone with whom we already have a close relationship or to whom we want to show our interest. Related to this intention to claim attention, depending on the confidence we have, this caress or contact will be more or less intense or lasting. That is, if we are starting the relationship, we are getting to know each other, this contact will be less close compared to when we have been with the person for longer.