Whether it’s linking arms in the hallway or leaning your head on a friend during lunch, physical touch appears in everyday student life more often than we realize. Physical touch is often one of the most misunderstood love languages. While often associated with romance, many students claim it plays a much deeper role in how they connect with others surrounding them.
For junior Andrew Bustinza, physical touch helps him express the emotions he struggles to put into words. From a family perspective, Bustinza shared how it’s simpler to, for example, give a quick hug or pat on the back to convey his feelings, rather than saying them out loud.
“When my little brothers are messing with me,” Andrew said, “I’ll playfully give them a tight squeeze to show I’m not really mad.” This emphasizes his belief that physical touch creates guidance in situations where someone might not have the words, but is able to show them through simple yet profound gestures.
Shifting towards a romantic point of view, Andrew emphasized how it’s less about extravagant gestures but rather about reassurance. He made a point that true love doesn’t need to be loud and can still be profound. He recalls in his relationship that sometimes a simple rub on the back is enough to say, “I’m here, and I’m going to take care of you.”
In junior Valeria Barbosa’s view, physical touch holds value beyond romance. Similarly to Andrew, Valeria explained, “I feel sometimes touch can communicate more than words.” She emphasized the importance of touch; how meaningful it can make someone feel. Specifically relating towards friendships, Barbosa reflected how her love towards friends is shared through constant hugs rather than constant words of affirmation, highlighting the practical version of physical touch.
“If anything, physical touch can strengthen relationships,” Valeria noted. She said that although physical touch often receives a negative reputation, in her opinion, when done correctly, physical touch is a beautiful way to show others you care about them.
Junior Sara Ceballos prefers quietly shared love. She elaborated that, personally, physical touch depends heavily on the environment and relationship.
“My thoughts on physical touch are 50/50. It depends on the person and setting,” Ceballos admitted.
Sara explained how physical touch makes her feel seen but she only appreciates it privately. Although she considers physical touch a part of her love language, she prefers to keep things private, avoiding public displays of affection.
Together, each of these student perspectives illustrated how physical touch varies by person. Between reassuring gestures, private moments of affection, or even platonic embraces; students agree that physical touch can communicate both appreciation and love in ways words sometimes cannot, regardless of its reputation.
