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, 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.
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
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 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 for the latest celeb news, pretty pics, funny stuff, and an insider POV.
-
Prince Louis Turns 6—See the Adorable New Photo
Princess Kate was behind the lens.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Luke Bryan Trips Over a Fan's Phone During a Show, Jokes "My Lawyer Will Be Calling"
He thought it was hilarious.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Melissa McCarthy Defends Meghan Markle From Critics Who Are "Threatened" by Her
McCarthy once starred in the duchess' 40th birthday video.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
The Best Bollywood Movies of 2023 (So Far)
Including one that just might fill the Riverdale-shaped hole in your heart.
By Andrea Park Published
-
‘Bachelor in Paradise’ 2023: Everything We Know
Cue up Mike Reno and Ann Wilson’s “Almost Paradise."
By Andrea Park Last updated
-
Who Is Gerry Turner, the ‘Golden Bachelor’?
The Indiana native is the first senior citizen to join Bachelor Nation.
By Andrea Park Last updated
-
‘Virgin River’ Season 6: Everything We Know
Here's everything we know on the upcoming episodes.
By Andrea Park Last updated
-
The 60 Best Musical Movies of All Time
All the dance numbers! All the show tunes!
By Amanda Mitchell Last updated
-
'Ginny & Georgia' Season 2: Everything We Know
Netflix owes us answers after that ending.
By Zoe Guy Last updated
-
35 Nude Movies With Porn-Level Nudity
Lots of steamy nudity ahead.
By Kayleigh Roberts Last updated
-
The Cast of 'The Crown' Season 5: Your Guide
The Mountbatten-Windsors have been recast—again.
By Andrea Park Published