LINKS & FRIENDS ON THE NET
11 Benefits of Hugging–Backed by Chemistry
Have you ever wondered what happens within you while you are hugging someone?
Let us examine some of the most amazing physiological miracles that happen in our bodies thanks to hugs. READ MORE >>
5 Ways Cuddling Makes Us Healthier
Touch releases oxytocin, which makes us feel better. But can hugging make us better human beings? READ MORE >>
93 Percent Of Straight Men In This Study Said They’ve Cuddled With Another Guy
Yes, straight men sleep together. That’s according to a new study out of Britain on the changing social habits of heterosexual males. Published in the journal of Men and Masculinities in March, the study revealed that 98 percent of the study’s participants — all white, college-age male athletes — have shared a bed with another guy. READ MORE >>
Straight male friendship, now with more cuddling
It starts with “John” hugging “Leo” tightly. Then, a few snapshots into the Facebook photo album, the baby-faced 16-year-old softly kisses his friend on the cheek. It culminates with a shot of the British teens holding up their shirts to reveal their tanned, washboard stomachs and the elastic waistbands of their designer underwear… READ MORE >>
Free Hugs Campaign ~ YouTube Video
An endearing and delightful three-minute video with music by Sick Puppies showing how a few hugs can change a little corner of the world and someone’s day! Seen by 73+ million people so far since 2006… WATCH >>
Straight Men Kissing More
When two students asked Eric Anderson, a sociology lecturer at Bath University’s department of education, if he had heard of the game “gay chicken”, he shook his head. “I had no clue what it was,” he says. “So they showed me.” The students – both men – went in to kiss each other. “The challenge was that whoever pulled out first was the loser,” Anderson explains. “But because men are no longer afraid of this, they ended up kissing.” Anderson was inspired to carry out a new research project … READ MORE >>
Sacred Intimacy, Compassion Practice :: Kevin Smith is Your ’Snugglebud’
” Kevin Smith maintains a touch practice that’s a little different from that of most bodyworkers. Instead of basing his work on massage, assisted stretching, movement training, or other forms of touch, Smith practices a form of structured holding–a method he developed on his own over time, and which he calls ‘snuggling.'” … READ MORE >>
Homophobia hurts straight men, too
” … to fight intolerance against gay boys, we also need to acknowledge its toll on straights – and our entire culture. Homophobia hurts all of our boys, by driving a wedge between them. Sharing your deepest feelings with another man? That’s so . . . gay. Or so we’ve been taught…'” … READ MORE >>
Touch Isolation: How Homophobia Has Robbed All Men Of Touch
American men, in an attempt to avoid any possible hint of committing unwanted sexual touch, are foregoing gentle platonic touch in their lives. I’ll call it touch isolation. Homophobic social stigmas, the long-standing challenges of rampant sexual abuse, and a society steeped in a generations old puritanical mistrust of physical pleasure have created an isolating trap in which American men can go for days or weeks at a time without touching another human being. The implications of touch isolation for men’s health and happiness are huge. READ MORE >>
Over a Century of Affectionate Men Through the Camera Lens
A wonderful collection of photos from the 1800’s through the 1950’s of men being affectionate with one another in friendship and genuine camaraderie… READ MORE >>
NPR: Human Connections Start With A Friendly Touch
Social scientists have shown in many studies over the years that supportive touch can have good outcomes in a number of different realms. Consider the following examples: If a teacher touches a student on the back or arm, that student is more likely to participate in class. The more athletes high-five or hug their teammates, the better their game…. READ MORE >>
ABC NEWS: Alleviating Human Suffering One Hug at a Time
Thousands wait in line, often for hours at a time, to receive what they say is unconditional love — a hug from a woman dressed in a simple, white sari. Amma, the “hugging lady,” greets her followers with a squeeze of love. Amma is affectionately known as “the hugging saint.” She is a 52-year-old Indian woman who dispenses hugs and in the process has gained international acclaim. She says she wants to comfort wounded hearts… READ MORE >>
TEDTalks: Brené Brown on Embracing Imperfection
How do we cultivate the courage, compassion, and connection that we need to embrace our imperfections and to recognize that we are enough— that we are worthy of love, belonging and joy? Dr. Brené Brown is a researcher professor at the University of Houston where she has spent the past ten years studying a concept that she calls Wholeheartedness. The best 20 minute speech you’ll ever hear. Really. WATCH >>
Thoughts on Touch: Getting Better Bodywork
Homophobia is a Real Fear: but of what, exactly?
To be a homophobe in 2014 is, increasingly, to find oneself on the fast track to social scorn. In an environment of growing acceptance, we condemn homophobic feelings, particularly in men, because we think they come from inside the individual and are thus his full responsibility. A man who says hateful things about gays is “backward.” He’s protecting his social status, or maybe he’s secretly gay himself. He needs to grow up or come out already.
However, the continued existence of homophobia—despite the obvious downsides—raises questions about its basic nature: READ MORE >>
The Scientific Quest to Prove Bi-Sexuality Exists
“There’s this idea, especially among gay men, that guys who say they’re bisexual are lying, on their way to being gay, or just kind of unserious and unfocused. I really wish everyone could experience how extraordinary it is to be able to fall in love with people regardless of their gender.” READ MORE >>