2023. Under the cover of the hot tub water, the touching begins.

The act of men touching other men can often be perceived as displaying intimacy or homosexuality, especially in cultures where physical touch between men is stigmatized or frowned upon.

Men can use physical touch to convey their masculinity and to establish dominance, particularly in all-male settings such as sports, fraternity houses, and military units. Men’s touching behavior can competitive and aggressive, with individuals attempting to assert their power and hierarchical position in the group. This is often in the form of roughhousing or playful teasing, although it may occasionally escalate to more violent physical encounters.

However, there is another side to men’s touching behavior that is less understood. Men who form strong emotional bonds with one another are more likely to engage in non-sexual intimate behavior, such as hugging or cuddling. Psychologically, these behaviors can provide a source of emotional support and comfort, particularly in high-stress situations or during times of crisis.

The feelings connected to men’s touching behavior are varied and complex. In some cases, physical touch between men is a way to display masculine power and assert dominance over others. Certain men enjoy dominating other men and part of why this is true has much to do with the pleasures men feel during acts of dominating other men. In other cases, touching of men by other men is used to establish emotional connections and provide comfort and support in times of need. The context in which the touch takes place, as well as the cultural norms and attitudes of those involved, play an important role in shaping the meaning and significance of men’s physical interaction.

Men’s touching behavior is a complex and multifaceted aspect of human interaction. It can be both aggressive and tender, competitive and supportive, depending on the situation and the individuals involved. Those who stigmatize or judge men’s touching behavior are in the wrong. The right approach is to seek to understand men touching men is a natural expression of human emotion and connection.