
Ever have a boss who was a little too touchy-feely around your back and shoulders? Or gotten a hug from a friend that lasted too long?
Oxford University scientists investigated how comfortable people are being touched. In the largest-ever study on physical contact, (opens in new tab) they asked nearly 1,500 men and women from Britain, Finland, France, Italy, and Russia to color in human body outlines to show which parts they would allow someone to touch, front and back.
Not surprisingly, they found that the more you know someone, the more likely you are to be happy to be touched by him or her.
Erogenous zones, however, were out of bounds to all but partners, with one exception.
Men indicated they were comfortable with female strangers touching any part of their body, even their genitals. In fact, a woman they barely know has "touching rights" similar to a parent and more than a sibling, according to the journal Proceedings of the Royal Academy of Sciences.
By comparison, women were only at ease with male strangers touching their hands.
On the other hand, women welcomed touches from friends more than men did. And men reacted negatively to all touches from male strangers, even on the head or the feet.
Brits were found to be the least tolerant of touching, Finns were the most open to it. Italians were only marginally more comfortable with touching than the British.
Aalto University researcher Julia Suvilehto (opens in new tab) said touch helps humans maintain social relationships.
"The greater the pleasure caused by touch a specific area of the body, the more selectively we allow others to touch it."
Follow Marie Claire on Instagram (opens in new tab) for the latest celeb news, pretty pics, funny stuff, and an insider POV.
-
Hairstylists Agree: These Are the Biggest Hair Trends for 2023
It’s the year of sleek, statement-making styles and baby bangs.
By Samantha Holender
-
Rita Ora Breaks Down the Beauty Symbolism in “You Only Love Me”
The singer talks to Marie Claire about her favorite Iconic London products, the hidden meaning behind her bridal beauty glam, and why Sophia Loren was the inspiration for her “playful” makeup.
By Samantha Holender
-
The Most Eagerly Anticipated Action Movies of 2023
It's going to be an exciting spring for action movie fans.
By Quinci LeGardye
-
The 56 Best Musical Movies of All Time: Iconic Movie Musicals
All the dance numbers! All the show tunes!
By Amanda Mitchell
-
'Ginny & Georgia' Season 2: Everything We Know
Netflix owes us answers after that ending.
By Zoe Guy
-
29 Nude Movies With Porn-Level Nudity
All the nudity of porn, but with the plot and storylines of mainstream film.
By Kayleigh Roberts
-
The Cast of 'The Crown' Season 5: Your Guide
The Mountbatten-Windsors have been recast—again.
By Andrea Park
-
Who Is Hasnat Khan, Princess Diana’s Boyfriend on Season 5 of ‘The Crown’?
Di’s friends have said she referred to the doctor as “the love of her life.”
By Andrea Park
-
Who Is Penelope "Penny" Knatchbull?
She and Prince Philip strike up an unlikely friendship throughout the fifth season of 'The Crown.'
By Andrea Park
-
'The Crown' Season 5: Everything We Know
The bombshell fifth season just dropped on Netflix.
By Andrea Park
-
90 Halloween Costume Ideas Inspired By Movies and TV Shows
Most of these Halloween costumes double as stylish additions to your closet.
By Brooke Knappenberger