​One of the most generous, meaningful, and memorable gifts we can give to another person is to kindly touch them. There is an unidentified energy conveyed to another when they are touched in a caring and loving way. It symbolizes the unity, oneness, and belonging we all seek deep down.
 
Booths set up at fairs that offer hugs can have the longest lines. Teachers who move about the classroom, touching, adjusting collars, patting, and holding the hands of students, create a learning experience unexcelled by any other method. Doctors and nurses can speed the healing process by caring touch.1 Business people can create life-long loyal clients by making touching contact with them. Not just a perfunctory handshake, no glad-handing, but a handhold that communicates genuine care, or a pat or a hug that tells others they are special and that you can be trusted.
 
Our litigious society has everyone now afraid of touching for fear of being slammed with a sexual harassment suit. Discretion is in order and nonsexual intent must be apparent and sincere or there can indeed be trouble. Nonetheless, touching is so important that it is a risk that must be taken.2
 
I remember when my children played sports and would line up after a game to shake hands with the 'enemy.' It was the best part of the game. Adult players do the same. In two-on-two sand volleyball, so neither side is advantaged by sun or wind, players switch sides of the court when the points total certain multiples. As opponents pass one another under the net it is a common practice (practically a law) to slap or shake the other's hand. No matter where the game is played, regardless of nationality, language, age, race, or sex, it is the same. Even in professional sports where big money is on the line, there is always the friendly hug or handshake. It's wonderful to do and heart-warming to see.
 
Sport is a model in miniature of life in general. We may be at odds with others for one reason or another, but that does not mean we cannot put things into perspective and let people know that friendship is still there and fundamentally important. Touching is an excellent way to do that.
 
Infants in sterile nurseries propped up to bottle-feed will languish. Those in filthy, backward, third world countries, who have a mother/nurse to hold, caress and coo at feeding time, will thrive. There is evidence that withholding touching from children can even increase the likelihood of early sexual experiences. Unfortunately, as teenage children pass through puberty parents think it is time to withdraw the touch. In fact, during these tumultuous years, teens need the contact more than ever. There is also evidence that violent criminals often have a childhood devoid of loving touch. This is not to excuse any behavior as an adult because we weren't hugged enough as a child, but does emphasize the important role parents can play in nurturing.

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​Loving and caring touch can help build a society of gentleness, kindness, compassion, unity, and trust rather than one of coldness, alienation, enmity, division and suspicion. Touching does something to the mind and heart that is healing and helps make life worth living. We all have known the warmth of a caring touch. So why be stingy with something that costs nothing and can bring warmth and love to the world?