This Body Map Reveals Where It’s OK To Touch A Woman. Do You Agree?

#1

Oxford University scientists have created a series of body map explaining where we are most comfortable being touched.

The ‘touchability index' provides colour-coded information about where women do and don't like to be touched.

For everyone from our nearest and dearest to extended family, to casual acquaintances and complete strangers.

#2

Out of all the countries that were studied, they found that it was the Britons who were the least touchy-feely. No surprise there then.

Obviously the less they knew someone, the less comfortable we are about being touched by them.

However, there was one noticeable exception.

#3

Men have no areas that they consider off limits to strangers, as long as the stranger is a woman.

The study found where we are comfortable to be touched and just how much depends on who is doing the touching.

Almost 1,500 men and women from Britain, Finland, France, Italy and Russia were given a series of outlines of the human body and asked to colour in which parts they would allow someone to touch, front and back.

They coloured it in according to different members of their social circle including their partner, their parents, their siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, and acquaintances.

They also coloured in two more shapes, one for a stranger of each sex.

#4

Generally, the closer the relationship the fewer areas of the body that were off limit. People were uncomfortable about letting anyone who was their significant other touch their erogenous zones.

Male strangers should note that everywhere other than the hands should be avoided on the female body.

Interestingly, the men studied had a different viewpoint.

They didn't want other men to touch them anywhere but when it came to women they weren't fussed. No part was considered a taboo.

Even in an era of mobile communications and social media, touch is still important for establishing and maintaining bonds between people

Professor Robin Dunbar

Although the reason men are so open with their body is not clear, the study did find that the more pleasurable a touch was believed to be, the larger the body area that person was allowed access to.

Professor Dunbar, a leading evolutionary psychologist, said touch helps maintain relationships by triggering the release of endorphins, the feel-good brain chemicals usually associated with exercise.

He said: ‘Touch is universal. While culture does modulate how we experience it, generally we all respond to touching in the same way.

‘Even in an era of mobile communications and social media, touch is still important for establishing and maintaining bonds between people.'