Hmm, I've never seen hand-squeezing or squeezing while cuddling as a sign of dominance... more as just a display of intense affection. At least that's the way I've perceived it in my relationships. But then, I've also found that everyone is a little different when it comes to interpersonal relationships and how they deliberately (or inadvertently) express themselves.
Those are words I've been lacking when trying to describe the perceived implication. "Intense affection" is how I've always perceived it as well. The perception that it is about dominance is a new, somewhat amusing, alternate thought about it. I don't actually subscribe to that view. :-)
That's an interesting thought. On reflection, the (conscious) messages I think that I am wanting to convey when squeezing someone while cuddling are: * I want/like to be/stay close to you * I want you to stay here with me * I want to stay here with you/I don't want to go * I'll be right back * I want to be squeezed * I'm reading to or need to do something else Similar messages might be conveyed when squeezing someone's hand while holding hands (rather than in greeting).
I think some of these could be interpreted as an assertion of dominance, at least a "soft" form - I'm asserting what I want. They could also be interpreted as a reassurance or desire for reassurance, though. Which could perhaps also be interpreted as related to dominance - a desire to feel protected by someone dominant? That seems a bit reductionist though. Is mutual dominance still rightly called dominance? I'm not sure given I'm not necessarily talking about a "switch" sort of situation.
Previous
