Science Shows People Who Love Cuddling Have a Proven Advantage Over Everyone Else

By Kate Hakala

"How come nobody just cuddles anymore?"

It's a complaint you'll hear from long-standing couples and casual daters alike... The intimate, caress-filled (cuddling) has somehow fallen by the wayside.

... Science has found that initiating physical affection... is seriously good for our relationships.

Good news, spooners: A study, first released last year and set to be published in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships in March, looked at 397 cohabiting heterosexual couples to see how initiations of physical intimacy — that is, the physical nudges we use to indicate we're in the mood — influenced their relationship. This could mean cuddling... spooning and, hey, even... massages.

While past studies have suggested that these initiating moves might be negatively coercive, the latest study found that general attempts at physical intimacy increased relationship satisfaction, relationship stability, better communication and less conflict.

In fact, while both male and female participants experienced positive outcomes of physical intimacy, the relationship benefitted particularly when men made the initiating moves. The initiations of cuddling and touch provided women with reassurance and commitment, said study co-author Chelom Leavitt in a conversation with Mic.

It's always worth a try: While these types of small physical initiations might get swept under the rug in long-term relationships, frequent contact has a huge impact on relationships... It's about what the spooning and kissing our partners signifies.

"Initiation communicates a desire to be close... (to) create interest in the relationship," explains Leavitt to Mic. "So... they are strengthening the relationship by communicating desires to be close and committed to the relationship."

... Physical intimacy, like cuddling, encourages us to pursue more. As co-author Amy Muise told Women's Health, "Since it makes us feel good, we're more likely to want to do it again, and we get closer to each other in the process."

Touch itself can be powerful: ... touch itself has encouraging health benefits. All kinds of physical contact, including hugs, have been shown to reduce stress, curb anxiety / depression and strengthen the immune system.

As previously reported by Mic, when we're physically close to someone, our bodies release oxytocin, the "happy chemical" that contributes to feelings of intimacy and well being...

Leavitt reminds us of the true work of cuddling: "Clearly there are people who are wanting more than just physical pleasure out of the experience — they are working to create more meaningful connections."