Hand-Holding More Intimate Than Kissing

...Among our young folks.

"I think that for sure college students hold hands just like the old days," says Sandra L. Caron, a professor of family relations and human sexuality at the University of Maine in Orono.

If they do, it is likely only after they are deep into a relationship.

"It is a lot more intimate to hold hands nowadays than to kiss," says Joel Kershner, 23 and a student at the University of Maine. Because of that, he says, reaching for someone's hand these days has more potential for rejection than leaning in for a smooch at a party where alcohol is flowing.

Libby Tyler, 20, says it was "weird that hand-holding is more serious," but true. "It's something that you lead up to," she says.

There is nothing casual about it anymore, says Rachel Peters, 22.

"Hand-holding is something that usually people do once they've confirmed they're a couple," she says.

Rainbow parties at age thirteen? No prob. Holding hands in college? Uh, that's some serious shit.

It is a topsy-turvy world.

posted by Laura. at 09:07 PM

| Access Comments