Do humans like being petted?

[NoxidKin]

I love to be petted, and hugged, but only when I'm comfortable with the person, and not around my shoulders or neck from behind.

I do like a thorough massage but I need to be in control, I hate someone coming up behind me and touching my shoulders.  Top of my head is fine.

And I pretty much love all hugs all the time.

It's nice to hear people talking about it openly.  :)

And it's a bit sad to me that quite a few people don't like it at all.  I wonder if they would, in a world with different social rules.

But whatever petting regime you prefer, I hope you recieve it.  ^.^

[Trench_Man]

Anecdotal but during my teens in the times where I've needed comforting from deep emotional or mental stress I remember my mom would hug me and "pet" my head softly and it was actually very comforting when she did that so while I can't say I'd like being petted frequently like a cat or a dog I can say with certainty it has a time and place for me.

[grubbyfox]

Some people dont like it at all, but humans in general have it hard wired into their DNA that they require physical touch. Babies straight up die if not touched. If you have regularly human connection thru physical touch, your also get boosts like, better immune system and other health benefits.

Just look up touch starvation, lol. So yeah, humans are animals after all and a lot of animals, if not most, enjoy being petted/cuddled. Animals with a lot of trust or their guard lowered will enjoy it from strangers, but most animals (and humans haha) prefer it with a trusted companion.

[lakes]

Everyone else in the thread: There's some studies on this....
Me: Do massages count as petting?