The psychology of tenderness, a comforting emotion

The psychology of tenderness is an increasingly emerging field of interest. This feeling gives a special color to our lives, so much so that we could say that experiencing it daily and making others feel it too, impacts our quality of life. Thanks to this dimension we connect with that emotional register where calm, positivity and confidence emerge.

The Japanese have a term that explains this psychological reality very well: «kawaii». This adjective can be translated precisely as something that evokes tenderness. So much so, that this word has generated the production of infinite products that we immediately identify: dolls, clothes, toys, pencils, etc… Objects that, just by looking at them, seem as pretty as sweet.

The Japanese usually use tenderness in a variety of ways, which often go far beyond the world of marketing. For a part of the population it is even a lifestyle and a type of culture that has transcended beyond the borders of Japan. Today, the animevideo games and many musical groups continue to preserve that essence kawaii where the tender continues to triumph.

Thus, and beyond this universe, Many of us also look for that feeling every day.. We do this by enjoying, for example, videos of animal puppies, and especially cats. Studies, such as the one carried out by Jessica Gall Myrick, a professor at Indiana University, tell us that visualizing elements where kittens are protagonists has a therapeutic power: it generates psychological well-being for a good part of the population.

Let’s learn more aspects about the topic.

Psychology of tenderness, the emotion that invites care and comfort

The psychology of tenderness tells us that this sensation gives quality to our bonds.. It’s not just that feeling that evokes when petting a cat or buying a thousand stationery items from the line kawaii. Like every emotion, it also has its purpose and importance. What’s more, as Paul Ekman, a psychologist who is an expert in emotions, pointed out to us, tenderness is one of the most neglected aspects today.

Tenderness is affection, it is empathy, It is an act that manifests itself through closeness and allowing us to show others our most sensitive and sweet side.. Within the emotional range, this is one of the ones that most nourishes our relationships at any level. However, not everyone is enabled in it. Tenderness is not a language that we all know how to speak.

Tenderness in a couple, an act of altruistic donation that gives meaning to love

Love without tenderness is not love. The couple that does not combine these gestures full of tenderness in their relationship will not feel complete. There will always be an open window in the heart through which the cold and doubts enter, because each piece that makes up a commitment between two needs that gear.

Communication needs tenderness, as does sexuality, coexistence and every situation through which these two people go.. This is how one feels loved, safe in that bond and recognized as valuable.

The psychology of tenderness in the children’s world

Children and animals have the power to generate that adorable feeling of tenderness that we like so much.. However, we cannot neglect one aspect either: the little ones also need those kind, sweet and tender gestures. What’s more, what they make us feel is for a very specific purpose: to promote the instinct of care and attention.

This same conclusion was reached in a study published by Dr. Michael Kringelbach, from the University of Oxford. According to this work, Tenderness guarantees our survival by awakening the desire to care for those who need it most, especially children and newborns.

The tender invites caresses, hugs, affection. These same dimensions are what encourage the child to feel loved, to grow up feeling safe, happy and loved. It is, therefore, an essential nutrient.

Surround yourself with cute things and you will relieve stress

The psychology of tenderness tells us that one way to relieve everyday stress is to surround ourselves with dimensions that inspire or evoke this sensation.. Thus, the simple fact of having pets, for example, already awakens in us all that amalgamation of placid sensations that we are so grateful for when we arrive home.

Likewise, having an environment where the decoration has those youthful, fun or even kawaiialso promotes well-being and even creativity. The pastel tones on the walls, the comfortable furniture, with simple lines and rounded shapes also induce the feeling of tenderness that is so pleasant for anyone.

To conclude, making room for this feeling in our lives and in the way we relate to the people we love will not only impact the quality of our ties. Our psychological health will also thank you. Let’s invest a little more in tenderness.

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