1. It Keeps You Connected

Holding hands is a way of saying I’m here with you and I’m present in the moment. It’s a way of having unity as a couple no matter where you are. No matter what’s going on around you, you’ve got that intimate connection. It’s a way of saying, hey, we’re a unit and it stays that way. On a more practical level, it helps you keep together in a crowd.

2. It Shows Your Commitment

When you see a couple holding hands, you know they’re in a relationship. That’s the same message you’re sending to others when you hold hands. Not only does it send the message to other people but it’s a small way of saying I’m committed to you. Those in strong relationships tend to hold hands much more than those in troubled relationships. Take comfort in that fact and enjoy the security of it.

3. It Reduces Stress and Anxiety

I’ve always known that holding my husband’s hand makes me feel calmer when I’m in a stressful or anxious situation. Now there’s actual scientific proof of this phenomenon. The study covered by nytimes.com explains how and why holding hands makes you feel calmer. It’s such a simple little way to stay calm through difficult situations. What’s more, no one will know how you’re so calm and collected except you.

4. It Makes You Feel Closer

Don’t you love to see older couples still holding hands? It’s a sweet picture, isn’t it? Holding hands isn’t just for those newly in love. It’s something that enriches your relationship no matter how long you’ve been together. That’s because it has a way of making you feel closer, whether you’ve been together 10 days or 10 years.

5. It’s Your Own Secret Language

When you’re in a relationship, you learn to communicate nonverbally. It can be through a shared look, a silent shake of your head or through holding hands. There’re a lot of things you can say just by holding hands. Stroking the hand of the other says I’m here for you. Squeezing your partner’s hand can tell them you’re nervous or scared. A very quick squeeze coupled with a wink is a fun way to flirt.

6. It’s a Gesture of Comfort

Have you ever noticed that people often hold hands when they’re facing difficult news? That’s because it’s one of the best ways to offer someone comfort. You’ve probably reached for your boyfriend’s hand when you’re upset. He may have even reached for yours, to offer you comfort or to have your support when he was feeling upset. It’s something that can go both ways. Guys may not admit it but they like when you’re there for them, too.

7. It Says I Love You

Lastly, holding hands says I love you. It’s a small thing in the scope of your relationship but it’s meaningful. It makes you feel loved when your boyfriend reaches for your hand, doesn’t it? That’s one of the beautiful things to treasure in your relationship. It’s one of those numerous little things that make you a fabulous couple.

8. It's Good for Your Health

Besides just relieving stress and anxiety, holding hands is actually said to lower your blood pressure. Since high blood pressure is the leading cause of heart disease nowadays, you're doing your heart and body a favor by holding hands with your special someone more often.

9. It Relieves Pain

It's a natural reflex to clench fists and grab hands when you're in pain. (Think women in labor holding their husband's hands) It's easier to endure pain if you've got someone on the other side of your grip that's there to support you and help you through it.

10. It Fights Fear

It's instinctual to grab hands with someone we love when we're scared. It shows you trust the person to comfort your fears. Since all fear is is a sudden increase in adrenaline throughout the body which in turn releases high levels of cortisol, it's no surprise that grabbing someone we will love help ease those spikes in our system.

These'er 10 benefits of holding hands more. Do you hold hands a lot in your relationship? Or is it something you need to work on?