What Holding Hands Means to a Guy? 15 Possible Explanations

When it comes to communication in relationships, it happens in two ways, verbal and non-verbal. Non-verbal communication refers to facial expressions, eye contact, gestures, holding hands, etc. If you hold a guy’s hand or it happens vice-versa, can you tell the reasons for it?

In this article, we will look at what holding hands means to a guy. You will clearly understand the possible reasons when a guy holds your hand and if it only shows that it is a sign of love or not.

What does it mean for a guy to hold your hand?

Have you asked, “What does it mean when a guy holds your hand?” The primary reason why you asked this question is that you cannot exactly read his mind. There might be several reasons why he’s holding your hand, and you have to be sure it’s what you’re thinking to prevent conflicts or misunderstandings in the relationship.

A guy might be holding your hand when those emotions are surging through his body. He probably feels afresh in the relationship, and holding your hand might be his way of communicating this. Also, another holding hands meaning could be he wants to feel closer to you.

Whatever his reasons might be, you need to engage him in a conversation so that he can pour out his mind. Many guys do not like opening up, so they will use subtle and unconscious signs to try and communicate with you.

Here’s a research study by Leonie Koban and other writers titled, “Why do we fall into sync with others?” This study talks about interpersonal synchronization and the brain’s optimization principle, which reveals the remarkable effect of holding hands. 

Do guys like it when someone holds their hand?

Guys give off different reactions when someone holds their hand. These reactions depend on your intentions for holding his hand. If you are in love with him and hold his hand, he will probably understand that you want to connect with him.

In comparison, if a guy is angry with you, one of the best ways to show you’re sorry and connect with him on a deeper level is to hold his hands. Also, holding hands could be another way of trying to build intimacy with him.

If he is someone who likes the public display of affection, holding hands in a relationship might mean so much to him. He would be happy to know that you’re proud to show him off as your partner.

Related Reading: The 6 Ways of Holding Hands Reveal a Lot About Your Relationship

Does holding hands mean you love the person?

When you see two people holding hands, one of the first things that comes to your mind is they are in love. While this might be true to an extent, it does not always mean that they are in love. If you ask why he loves holding my hand, it might be for different reasons.

Also, not everyone in love prefers the public display of affection. Some people like to keep their feelings private to avoid interference and public pressure. Similarly, someone who has a crush on another person can hold their hands to show affection.

Does holding hands suggest you’re dating?

The possibility of dating is one out of many instances when two people are holding hands. If you have ever asked, “Does holding hands mean anything?”, it is because people give different reasons for this action. 

For example, two people who are holding hands could be casual friends. Also, they might be married couples or in a dating relationship. In addition, it might even be a sibling-sibling relationship where they hold hands casually.

So, in summary, hand-holding can be a sign that a couple is dating, but there are also other reasons two people may hold hands. 

Why do guys like holding hands?

People usually ask what holding hands means to a guy because it can be difficult to tell their true intentions. Many guys are known for hiding behind their gruff exteriors. They might be in love with you, but they will not show it. Also, if a guy has low self-esteem and is afraid of being rejected, he might hold hands as a small gesture to see if you like him. 

If you are also friends with a guy, he will always have the sense of urgency to protect you. Therefore, if you are together in public, he will hold your hand to prevent anything from happening to you.

What does holding hands mean to a guy? 15 possible explanations 

When a man holds your hand, different interpretations come with it. And you might be forced to ask what holding hands means to a guy. Here are 15 likely explanations when he holds your hand:

1. He wants everyone to know that you’re his partner

Usually, when a man is in love with you, he loves to show off to the world how special you are. Therefore, one of the subtle signs he uses is to hold your hand in public. He is trying to tell everyone that you are his partner and that he is fine with people knowing that he dotes on you.

2. He wants to wade off suitors who might approach you

If you are wondering what holding hands means to a guy, one reason could be that he wants to scare prospective suitors away. He might understand that it is a thing of pride for people to admire his partner, but it should end there. 

Typically, anyone who sees a man holding his partner would think twice before approaching the subject of interest.

Hence, when it comes to an understanding of guys holding hands, they are telling other people not to bother coming after their partner.

3. He wants to fend off suitors who might approach him

He might be holding your hands so that other potential partners will not approach him. Some guys are strictly dedicated when in a relationship, and they don’t like to be distracted.

Therefore, he might also be looking out for himself to avoid putting you under undue pressure because of flirting individuals. If he eventually tells you about anyone who has an eye for him, you can remember the scenario where he held hands with you, even when others were trying to catch his eye.

4. He wants to protect you

Another reason concerning what holding hands means to a guy is he might be trying to protect you. When a guy holds your hand in public, the security instinct sets in. He would not want anyone to harm you because you are under his protection. If he is in love with you, nothing can happen to you under his watch.

Related Reading: The Power of Touch in Your Marriage

5. He loves your company

When a guy wants to be with you, he will always hold your hand in private and public. For example, if he is in bed, you might notice that his hands are locked in yours. Also, he might be holding hands on a first date to show that he already loves your company and wants to spend more time with you.

6. He’s trying to bond with you

Have you noticed that when he holds your hand, he squeezes it a little, which tickles something within you? He might be trying to connect with you, and unknown to him, he is sending a message by holding your hands.

Another similar sign is when he interlocks his fingers with yours; he is trying to tell you that he wants to always be by your side. So therefore, if you are wondering why do guys rub your thumb while holding hands, they are trying to connect with you.

7. He doesn’t want you to reject him

You might be surprised to hear that what holding hands means to a guy might be the fear of rejection. Many men are usually scared of getting rejected, but they don’t like showing it. 

So, when they hold your hand, it might be their way of telling you to accept them. It is an unofficial way for him to tell you that he wants to be with you and is scared of being rejected.

8. He might be a player

You might be thinking about what holding hands means to a guy, and you may be surprised to hear that he could be a player.

When some guys try to trick people into falling for them, they use unofficial tactics to cover their tracks. Therefore, when a guy holds your hand on a first date, you should not be too quick to conclude that he is authentic. He might be playing with your feelings, so be careful not to be caught off-guard.

Check out this video to understand more signs that you are just an option to a man:

9. He is trying out the waters

Some men are not sure of what to expect. This is why they might hold your hands to see what your reaction might be.

It could also be a way to help him know if he is truly in love with you or not. It is interesting to mention that when physical contact is made, it can give people a better understanding of their true feelings toward someone else. 

You can also watch out for any discussion or question he brings up within that time frame. Some guys try to make physical contact with a prospective partner, hoping it aids them in starting a conversation.

10. He might be trying to tell you he’s offended

You might have offended the guy, and he’s trying to communicate how he feels. To be sure about this, glance at the look on his face. If you are quite sure that he is not happy with you, you can ask him why he looks moody.

Some guys might try to bury their sad feelings to not affect the relationship. However, it is best not to keep grievances hidden because they will surely creep out one way or the other.

11. He’s trying to bring back memories

If he is your boyfriend, he might be trying to evoke some sweet memories that he has shared with you in the past. Usually, you might notice that he has a strange but happy look on his face. Do not pull your hands away at this point. Rather, allow him to relieve those memories.

12. He is confident about you

If you wonder why he held my hand, look around at the caliber of people near you. Most times, when a guy is around his family and friends, he will love to show off his partner. 

Therefore, when you notice that he doesn’t want to let go of your hand, it is because he wants his loved ones to know that you’re the one for him.

Related Reading: 6 Simple Ways to Show Love to the People You Care About

13. He wants your family and friends to accept him

If you are around your family and friends, and your guy is holding hands with you, he might be trying to send a subtle message to them to accept him. You can encourage him that everything will be fine with your union when you notice this.

14. He’s trying to open up to you

Another reason behind what holding hands means to a guy is he might be trying to tell you something, but he doesn’t know how to go about it. If you notice that he has a worried look on his face, you can ask him what the matter is.

In an article published by Lisa Marshall from the University of Colorado, research showed that holding hands can reduce pain and synchronize brainwaves, so it can help him to have a difficult conversation.

15. He is so in love with you

What holding hands means to a guy could also be that he is in love with you, and he cannot get over how strongly he feels. You are the best thing he presently has in his life, and he cannot trade you for anything.

For you to know what is on a guy’s mind, you need the right insights. This is what Ryan Thorn reveals in his book titled: What A Guy Wants. This is a guide to knowing what men really think about relationships. 

Related Reading: 15 Signs a Man Is Falling in Love With You

Conclusion

After reading this piece, you now have a good idea of what holding hands means to a guy. However, you need to remember that all guys are not the same. Even if some guys love you, they might not want to hold hands in public. 

On the other hand, some of them treasure public displays of affection. Therefore, know what the guy wants, and be ready to have an open conversation with him to avoid being kept in the dark. 

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Rachael Pace Author

Rachael Pace is a noted relationship writer associated with Marriage.com. She provides inspiration, support, and empowerment in the form of motivational articles and essays. Rachael enjoys studying the evolution of loving partnerships... Read more and is passionate about writing on them. She believes that everyone should make room for love in their lives and encourages couples to work on overcoming their challenges together. Read less

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