What does it mean when you squeeze a loved one’s hand 3 times?
Squeezing a loved one’s hands 3 times is meant to communicate “I love you.” This gesture offers a non-verbal way to communicate one’s affections, with one squeeze per word in this popular example. Typical in situations where speaking may not be appropriate or possible, this expression of love can take place in all sorts of relationships, whether they be romantic, familial, or friendly. The person on the receiving end of the squeeze may respond by squeezing the hand right back 4 times, each squeeze representing a word in the reciprocal phrase, “I love you, too.”
Origins of the 3 Hand Squeeze
The gesture is believed to be instilled in children by their parents. Although the origins of the 3-squeeze handhold are not known, it’s believed that this gesture may be an instinctual, non-verbal method of communication between a parent and child. Many families have reported participating in this emotional exchange with loved ones, beginning in childhood. In these formative anecdotes, the parent squeezes their child’s hand three times as a sweet and intimate gesture of reassurance. Over time, this non-verbal interaction is either explained or understood to mean that each squeeze corresponds with a word in, “I love you.” Research has shown that children with affectionate and attentive parents tend to be happier and lead more successful lives as adults. They are also more likely to engage in similar loving behaviors with their own future families, passing along the silent and tender tradition of the 3 squeezes.
References in Pop Culture
The 3 squeeze hand hold has been featured in literature, TV, and music. Although its first documented use is up for debate, squeezing a loved one’s hand as a way of expressing affection has been depicted in all sorts of media. The popularity of this gesture suggests that it really is a spontaneous, yet innately human phenomenon between two people who seek to communicate non-verbal love. Here are a few examples of how this gesture has appeared in media in recent years: “New Year’s Day” by Taylor Swift might include the best known mention of the 3-squeeze hand-hold. The lyrics read, “You squeeze my hand three times in the back of the taxi/ I can tell that it’s gonna be a long road/ I’ll be there if you’re the toast of the town, babe/ Or if you strike out and you’re crawlin’ home.” Late night TV host, Jimmy Fallon, shared that his late mother often squeezed his hand 3 times as a child to say, “I love you,” and he would squeeze back in response. The children’s book, ’’Three Squeezes,’’ was written by Jason Pratt and inspired by two people in his life that were unable to verbally communicate their love.
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