Is He Missing the Cuddle Gene?

Cristina Tudino, SELF magazine

Touch is vital to any relationship. But some guys may have a genetic variation that could make them seem less affectionate, new research from Oregon State University in Corvallis suggests. To feel tight even if he's snuggle challenged:

Try PDA-Lite: Link arms with him in public but lay off the smooches. Small points of contact are powerful bonders, too-and tend to be less freaky for a touchphobic dude.

Bust a move: Request some Rihanna and dance your butts off with each other at the bar this weekend. Simply moving in unison will make you feel more intimate and in sync.

Sweat together and fist-bump after killing a set of reps. NBA players who knock knuckles work better as a team, research shows, and so will you. LeBorn would be proud.

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Getting close to him will help you...

Forgive and forget. A hug can make you and your BF want to cooperate, not bicker. Researchers say that even the briefest touch can make you feel better, so next time things get tense, give him a loving squeeze.

Heal faster.
People who felt supported by their spouse showed higher oxytocin levels and saw blisters heal faster than those who didn't, according to a study in the journal Psychoneuroendocrinology.

Put a grin on his face. Even if your guy seems to prefer being hands-off, he probably still benefits from affection. Dudes tend to rank it as more crucial to happiness than we do, research from the Kinsey Institute suggests.

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Why you gen an affection high: No you're not needy-there are biological reasons those hugs and kisses feel oh-so-good.

- The adrenal glands reduce production of the stress hormone cortisol.
- You boost activation of natural killer cells that fight disease.
- The brain shows more relaxing theta wave activity.
- Oxytocin is produced in the brain's hypothalamus, flooding you with warm, fuzzy feelings.
- Your hear rate slows and blood pressure drops.

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