One of the 5 love languages is physical touch. Why is the touch so important? Skin is the largest organ in the human body. Yes, skin is indeed the organ. Every square inch of our skin contains more than 1,000 nerve endings, thanks to which we can feel various sensations, such as pain, heat, cold, itch, or pressure. Pleasant touch, like a hug, signals the brain to release a hormone called oxytocin or the “love hormone,” which can induce anti-stress-like effects.
Skin-to-skin contact is essential for emotional and physical health. Lucky are those who get to hug someone every single day. Yet, not everyone gets to experience this. In 2007, Richard Renaldi, a photographer from New York, USA, came up with the idea to bring strangers together by asking them to physically interact and pose for a portrait. He called the photo series “Touching strangers” and completed it in 2013. Years later, one can still stumble across Richard’s shots on the streets.
Take a look at the photos Richard took a while ago that remind us to value physical interaction, especially now, in the age of social distancing.
More info: Website, Instagram, Twitter, Flickr
#1 Ashleigh And Tony, 2012, La
Image source: renaldi.com
#2 Gerry And Gian Michael, 2011, Fl
Image source: renaldi.com
#3 Ekeabong And Andrew, 2013, Ca
Image source: renaldi.com
#4 Deborah And Joseph, 2011, NY
Image source: renaldi.com
#5 Angie, Steve, Edward, And Maria, 2012, Ca
Image source: renaldi.com
#6 Nathan And Robyn, 2012, Ma
Image source: renaldi.com
#7 Nicholas And Caleb, 2013, Pa
Image source: renaldi.com
#8 Michael And Jared, 2011, NY
Image source: renaldi.com
#9 Shalom And Jeff, 2013, NY
Image source: renaldi.com
#10 Janaki And Dominic, 2013, Pa
Image source: renaldi.com
#11 Atiljan And Tiffany, 2011, NY
Image source: renaldi.com
#12 Vincent And Charles, 2012, Ca
Image source: renaldi.com
#13 Soukhet And Dawn, 2012, Hi
Image source: renaldi.com
#14 Perry And Mark, 2012, Nv
Image source: renaldi.com
#15 Hunter, Margaret, And Abigail, 2013, NY
Image source: renaldi.com
#16 Leasia And Rebecca, 2013, NY
Image source: renaldi.com
#17 Jesse And Michael, 2013, NY
Image source: renaldi.com
#18 Elaine And Arly, 2012, NY
Image source: renaldi.com
#19 Tari, Shawn, And Summer, 2012, Ca
Image source: renaldi.com
#20 Williamn And Felice, 2008, NY
Image source: renaldi.com
