Use your sense of touch this Valentine's Day

I've partnered with my friends over at Family Eats this month! Check out their latest post all about heart-healthy foods in celebration of Heart Month.

It's an old joke, but is mostly true: Without their hands, Italian would be incapable of expressing themselves. Gesturing, raving, teasing, and, above all, embracing - Italians loves to express themselves by touch. When you meet a friend in Italy, the first thing you do after saying hello is to embrace and offer two kisses, one on each cheek. This ritual is an expression that shows you care and share a connection.

In the spirit of Valentine's Day, what better time than now to let your friends and family know how much you care about them? Read on for my favorite six ways to integrate touch into daily life.

1. A Euro-style kiss, on one cheek or both, is a lovely and elegant way to greet a friend.
2. A handshake or touch on the arm communicates trust and commitment.
3. A warm bear hug for family members demonstrates love of kin.
4. An arm around the shoulders or holding a hand shows commitment to a friendship during trying times.
5. A high-five for a coworker can be a wonderful sign of triumph and success at work.
6. Goodnight kisses and embraces are always a lovely way to send a child off to sleep and offer an expression of security before they drift into dreams.

When we are with our partners, children, and close friends, we should demonstrate our love with a warm embrace or a sweet kiss. Everyone responds positively to touch, many times more so than if we express out feelings with words only. We should all strive for daily intimacies, and using our sense of touch to its fullest is one of the best ways to do that.

Hugs and kisses,

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