One Powerful Habit That Couples Should Never Underestimate

"Physical touch is widely believed to be one of the primary, most important means of intimacy and bonding in a romantic relationship. Without frequent hugs, kisses, or sex, couples need to get creative in order to communicate their affection for one another. Most popular relationship advice also reinforces this idea; it's widely assumed that more physical closeness naturally equates to a stronger, healthier relationship."

"But not everyone experiences touch in the same way, nor does everyone want it to the same degree. Some people love frequent physical affection, while others might prefer it in smaller doses or only in specific contexts. So, where does that leave couples who aren't perfectly aligned? Does physical touch matter equally for every relationship? Thankfully, a November 2025 study published in Personal Relationships has given us an answer. And, surprisingly, it's not nearly as black-or-white as most would assume it to be."

"Instead of simply asking whether physical affection predicts relationship satisfaction, the authors of the 2025 study examined how comfort with affection and perceived similarity in this regard relate to overall relationship well-being. The study analyzed data from two different samples: a group of almost 2,000 individuals in romantic relationships, and a smaller group of couples in which both partners participated. Together, these samples allowed the researchers to explore both perceived and actual similarities in partners' comfort with physical affection."

Comfort with physical affection and perceived similarity between partners strongly relate to relationship well-being, including satisfaction, commitment, intimacy, trust, passion, and love. Perceived mismatch in affection preferences affects individual well-being more than actual differences in partners' comfort levels. Data from nearly 2,000 individuals and a smaller dyadic sample show that both perceived and actual similarities in affectionate comfort matter, but perceptions carry greater weight. Small, consistent affectionate gestures can bridge gaps when partners differ in touch preferences. Partners who feel comfortable expressing affection tend to report higher satisfaction and intimacy.

Read at Psychology Today