In the end we all just want someone’s hand to hold through life. It’s a comfort thing, a romantic gesture, and a sign of unforgiving gratitude.
A parent, grandparent, or guardian’s hand as a child was a symbol of safety. That first hold of a finger shared by a parent and baby is the first bonding moment we have. As we grown into toddlers we are told to hold hands before crossing the street. Our first friends usually begin with a hand leading us to another group. As we evolve into young adults it becomes a sense of endearment carried on into our partnership with who we love.
It’s a sign of trust, a simple gesture that tells everyone you are each other’s and proud. There’s no room for shame, only room for your energy to flow between. Just think about the first time you experienced that grab from the person you love. You got butterflies, maybe your palms started to sweat a little, but it was the most magical moment, a start of the cascade of feelings to come.
Throughout our relationship there are many aspects of this simple gestures. In the beginning it’s a sign of “I’m into you”. The second might happen when you encounter your first fight and you reach out to make sure they don’t leave or to get their attention to say I’m sorry. Again proving you won’t give up and your there for them. What’s the first thing that happens when you get proposed to? Holding of either one or both hands, heck even when you get married you often see the couple holding hands throughout the ceremony. It’s a stronger bond than people give it credit. In 2014 there was a social media campaign, #HoldMyHandForever, to show couples expressing their love for one another with statistics to follow that couples who hold hands 4-7 days a week would last twice as long as couples who hold hands 0-3 days a week. I swear there’s special endorphins that release once this connection is made, a smile and feeling of euphoria comes over you.
Now to the last part. Just like we start with a bond we also end one. If we are lucky enough to live a long healthy life and it’s just simply our time to go, we are usually surrounded by loved ones and at least one person if not all have held your hand through the last days. Showing you it’s okay, you’ll be safe and we’re here for you. Even in tragedy 99% of the time there is that moment shared; the last physical touch. It’s amazing how something so minimal can have so much power. Its a hello and a goodbye.
What I’m really getting at is, don’t take for granted holding someone’s hand. If you’re lucky to have someone in your life that you love and truly adore, that small gesture is one of the greatest feelings in the world. So tonight, even if you don’t normally do so, try to regain that first physical connection, it could do wonders and if you’re lucky to have it consistent, be grateful. I know I am.
-AMP
my AMPed life 