physical intimacy exercise

Decide who will be partner A and who will be partner B. It doesn’t matter which is which.

This assignment takes five minutes. Please do it without the radio or TV on, when you have a bit of privacy, and away from your cell phones. Use some hand lotion—any brand or type is fine. Start by washing and drying your hands.

Then switch—B, take one of A’s hands and rub it according to your own interests. After a minute, take A’s other hand and rub it with the goal of giving him or her enjoyment. Remember to look at the hand you’re rubbing.

Afterwards, say a few words to each other about some aspect of your experience. If you both want to have a longer conversation, go ahead. At the very least, each of you should say one thing that was interesting about this time together.