Too many couples overlook the power of touch in building and maintaining a close relationship. We're talking about the little things here: holding hands while walking, shoulder or foot rubs after a long day, hugs on the way out the door, a caress to go with that "I love you."
In his book, Twelve traps in today's marriage---and how to avoid them, marriage counselor Dr. Brent Barlow states:
In his book, Twelve traps in today's marriage---and how to avoid them, marriage counselor Dr. Brent Barlow states:
If I could encourage married couples to do just one thing to maintain or improve their relationships, I think I would suggest developing the skill of touch. Touch is one of the most significant forms of communication we have... [and] the absence of touch often communicates disinterest or lack of caring. Many studies have observed that young infants in institutions can actually die from lack of touch. The phenomenon is known as marasmus. As adults, touching continues to be a primary means of communicating
with those we love, whether we are conscious of it or not. Our need for
caring touch is normal and healthy, and we will never outgrow it.
His conclusion: "marital marasmus can be deadly."
(photos courtesy of lds.org)
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