Your true relationship gives you not only spiritual contentment but also physical relaxation to a high level. Physical intimacy is a fundamental need of the human body and soul. Whenever you like someone, you want to stay closer to that person.
You want to touch their body, feel their fragrance, and listen to every word. People connect, kiss, hug, and do other sweet acts to show love. Similarly, couples do hold hands, which is a symbol of affection.
Not only does it reflect their unconditional love for each other but it also ensures the strength of their love bond in the coming years. Here, we have also worked out different ways to hold hands and what they mean. However, we are sure that these eleven ways warm up and seethe your relationship.
What Does Holding Hands Mean?
Holding hands is a sweet gesture that contains a spectrum of emotions. From showing affection to conveying trust and respect, there are a whole lot of feelings attached when people hold hands with each other.
However, holding hands or a simple handshake has different meanings across cultures and countries. For instance:
- In Western culture, holding hands is a sign of intimacy, affection, or friendship.
- In Korea, men usually handshake with men they trust or are friends with. On the other hand, same-gender people holding hands intimately is seen as taboo because of the homophobic views.
- In Arab and other Middle Eastern countries, holding hands between men and women is extremely limited in public.
- Japanese prefer bowing instead of a handshake.
- Warm hand-holding and shoulder pats are more common in African countries.
Whatever the culture or country is, holding hands is an expression of trust, friendship, love, and emotional closeness.
Fast Facts about the Different Ways to Hold Hands
Holding hands has no limits, as many of us hold hands with our parents, children, friends, siblings, or teachers. It shows enormous respect, real love, and honor for that person. Similarly, there are a lot of signs regarding how to tell when holding hands means more than just the gesture itself.
Here, we will discuss the different types of holding hands so that you can try them all and enjoy yourself.
Also Read: Soulmate Signs
15 Different Ways of Holding Hands
Did you ever notice that romance starts by holding hands? Yes, it is the first and most beautiful step to expressing feelings. Moreover, it connects two people emotionally, physically, and mentally. That is why hand-holding makes the body comfortable.
Now, let’s have some discussion about fifteen different types of holding the hands of your beloved.
1. Interlocked Fingers: The Most Romantic Way to Hold Hands
Interlocked fingers are the most romantic and popular way of holding hands. This gesture symbolizes the passion and strong connection between two people. In this way, both partners firmly hold each other’s hand, which shows the natural intimacy of partners and reveals the intense connection between two people. With one hand holding something precious—their partner’s hand, they show the natural intimacy and the intense connection.
In addition, interlocked fingers provide a high signal of comfort and care. A person feels more involved in their partner. It increases the understanding level and compatibility.
2. The Finger Grab: Holding Hands at Its Best
Some partners live their life like the way they want to live. They live free-spirited and willfully. Holding just a few fingers is included in this type.
The finger grab tells that both partners love their alone time. They want their partner to respect their privacy. Still, they have a good relationship. These people share a lot of stuff and have long conversations. Consequently, they live as a good partner without disturbing each other’s private life.
3. One-Finger Hold (Pinky Grab): A Stylish Type of Holding Hands
This incredibly endearing and cute gesture means that partners value each other’s independence. They are holding each other’s hands in the cutest way. It does not feel so romantic. However, it is the most precious relationship where both choose a partner who respects each other’s space and privacy. This gesture also reflects the powerful union at the same time.
Further, it is a casual grab. Children and friends also hold their hands in the same way. Still, some people consider it a bit flirty. Because a partner may signify romance to the other one, it can also be a romantic or friendly hold.
4. The Dawn Facing Palm: A Unique Way to Hold Hands
This hand-holding style is common among love birds worldwide and has a great meaning. Couples that hold hands like this have a strong bond based on sincere affection and love. It symbolizes that you know each other very well and want to cherish one another.
The fun fact in this hand-holding style is that whoever palm is facing downward or behind tends to be more dominant and often takes initiative when it comes to making important decisions. But it doesn’t mean that one of you is above the other. Both are equal in this relationship.
5. The Wrist Grab – The Most Intimate Way of Holding Hand
At first glance, the wrist grab may seem like a gesture of possessiveness or aggression that shows that one partner wants to control the other. On the other hand, a wrist grab is a passionate act. If you or your partner genuinely grab or hold the other wrist from behind with your forearms crossed, you enjoy every second you spend together. You are not just partners. You are best friends who can tell each other anything. The couple never bored in each other company.
6. The Over-the-Shoulder Lock: A PDA Cuddle
Like interlocked fingers, this way of holding hands brings your partner closer than any other way. There is no distance between you two, which symbolizes how loving and exquisite your connection is. The one wrapped in the shoulder lock feels great pride in the relationship.
The over-the-shoulder lock means that you are having a lot of fun together. Your relationship is strong enough that you can do anything to protect each other from any harm. The wrap-up arm makes you feel safe, faithful, and memorable. Moreover, your body undergoes some warmth and particular sentiments.
7. The Passive Hand Holding: Gently But Firmly Cupping Partner’s Hand
Partners fully grab each other’s hands and build a pretty connection. The polite and firm holding of the partner’s hand is the passive hand holding. This style represents both the partner’s love to live on their frontiers. Also, they cater to the things adequately.
They accept things and support each other. Resultantly, it adds charming moments to the relationship. Furthermore, the understanding makes the connections more long-lasting and profound.
8. The My Lady Hand Holding: Represents a Healthy and Firm Relationship
We mostly see that style in wedding ceremonies. The couple holds their hands and they both look into each other eyes. It is a priceless pose to hold the hand; they both look amazing. I guess a wedding photo album is nothing without this pose.
Before starting a new life, the bride and groom have a delightful smile fill with hopes. So, by holding hands, they feel so secure and charming. My lady holding hand indicates a healthy and firm relationship.
9. The Relaxed Laced: A Very Solid Way to Hold Hands
It is the loose but firm grip of hands. It presents a trustworthy relationship between two people. You and your partner’s hands are connected and sense the fondness for each other. They completely understand the stance and limits of each other.
In addition, it tells that the relationship is mature and sustained. No minor misunderstandings would break it. They mutually solve their issues and conflicts. So, that sweet little touch is not ordinary. It gives the proper physical connection vibes to your partner.
10. The On Top and Bottom: Most Slaying Holding Hand Style
Your partner will hold both of your hands in their hand. They will be looking into your eyes and saying something politely. It is the most romantic and slaying kind of holding hand.
That eye contact would be marvelous and unforgettable. It will provide some solids to prove that they love you and you mean everything to them. Also, if you talk like this, your partner will listen to it carefully.
11. Firm-But Not Interlaced-Hand Grip: Give a Protective Feel
It is a firm but not interlaced grip. Usually, people hold hands like this when they console someone. Also, it keeps the sad or terrified person fine.
It may look like a gentle grip, but it secures the internal feeling of the person. If you are holding someone’s hand this way, they will feel comfortable with you. Also, they will trust you.
12. Holding Fingers and Slightly Pulling the Hand
This gesture shows that the couple is not physically or mentally present with each other. More specifically, whoever pulls the partner’s hand might be trying to force the person to make decisions faster. It indicates that the person is fed up with the relationship or routine.
If you notice this type of hand-holding or other signs, don’t be afraid to open up a dialogue with your partner. These are the things that are non-negotiables in a relationship.
13. Holding Both Hands: Signifies Protection and Support
It is more like giving the partner a warm hug without embracing them. It shows intimacy and belonging and signifies protection and support.
When partners hold both hands in public, it is a form of public declaration that they are in a relationship. That’s why it is often the main pose in wedding photoshoots.
14. Palm to Palm: Classic Hands-Holding Style
When two people lock hands palm-to-palm, it’s like they’re meeting each other halfway. There’s no one leading or following here. It’s all about balance. It’s a low-key way of saying both partners are in it together, ready to walk through life side by side, both literally and figuratively.
This kind of equality just makes the relationship feel solid and supportive. It also represents trustworthiness, passion, and, most importantly, security.
15. The Arm Wrap Hold
When someone grabs your arm like this, it’s their way of saying, “I trust you to take the lead.” In packed places, on a cold night, or whenever they’re feeling a bit on edge, the arm wrap hold has that feel of safety. This quiet, protective move tells them they’re safe and sound right by your side.
People who love in an old-fashioned way like to express their love through this style. It is a perfect blend of romance, respect, and sophistication and looks so royal!
Why Do We Hold Hands? Science Behind it
People hold hands to make their significant other feel secure, loved, and cared for. When parents hold their kids’ hands, it depicts guidance and authority. People in platonic relationships also like to hold hands with each other, which shows their sincerity, connection, and comfort. Hence, there are several reasons why people hold hands with people they truly love.
Emotional Benefits of Holding Hands
Dr. James Coan, the Associate Professor of Clinical Psychology and Director of the Virginia Affective Neuroscience Laboratory, in his TedTalk, explained the study he conducted where couples were placed in stressful situations. The results showed that when people held their partner’s hand, their brains were less active in areas related to stress and emotional control.
He said,
We hold hands for lots of reasons. But at a deeper evolutionary time level, we hold hands to send each other's brains a signal. That signal is really something like I am here with you. With time and with increasing levels of interdependence that signal grows in strength and gradually transforms into something more like I am you, you are me, and we are here.
Therefore, holding the hands of our loved ones or partners comforts us even if we don’t realize it.
Conclusion
In the final analysis, holding a hand is not just physical touch. Many emotions are also attached to it. You do express not only your love but also show honor and respect. Grabbing hands is not just a need; it also has surprising benefits to the body. Moreover, it tells you your value for your partner.
Holding a hand is magic. It relieves stress and tension. You get a feeling that someone is around you. Similarly, it reduces physical and psychological pains. Grabbing hands is essential to tighten the bond because physical intimacy is equally vital to emotional intimacy.
Sit and grab your partner’s hand even if you have nothing to discuss. Make them feel good with your gentle touch. Though you are not talking with each other, you are connected. Likewise, hold your partner’s hand in public. Own them in front of everyone. It will strengthen the trust. Life does not give a chance to wait for a perfect moment. Do not waste time. Just grab the hand of your partner, parents, friend, or sibling and let them know that you love them a lot. Also, their existence means a lot to you.
