The complexities of touch in our culture. Touching as conversation:

"The entire body moves in response to each touch. No touch is met with neutrality. Touching is a physical conversation. Imagine conversely the way adults typically receive massage. We have been taught to be still to receive touch. Something in the adult shuts down to receive touch. We have taught that there is a clear delineation between giver and receiver." (from "Natural Intelligence: Body-Mind Integration and Human Development" by Susan Aposhyan)
Sculpture by Joanne McClure, Mother-Child