How a father’s hand fosters trust and security. One of the most significant ways that holding your daughter’s hand can boost her confidence is by fostering a deep sense of trust and security.

Remember how Mom or Dad would hold your hands before they had something serious to tell you or gave you the old “birds and the bees” discussion? Yeah. 4. Firm—but not interlaced—grip.

The more romantic hand hold is when fingers are interlaced and palms touch. There’s more skin-to-skin contact, which stimulates the release of bonding hormones.

Instead of spending money on something fleeting, try giving your partner’s hand a little squeeze, your toddler a cuddle, or your friend a warm hug.