What makes a guy want to hold a girl's hand?

[DishLady]

I used to hold hands or walk arm-in-arm with guy friends all the time. Something about the dynamic changed midway through college when the guys all started looking for our serious dating companions and I kept to my studies -- not antisocial, but not dating. After that, hand holding seemed to be something with serious connotations. I only ever held hands with my (now ex) hubby, with my kids till they were old enough to walk around and do things on their own. I'd always offer my arm to an elderly woman and if a guy offers me his arm I do usually accept it bc I know he's being a gentleman.

But now a few times over the past couple of years I've found that guys will take my hand and just hold it while we're walking. I'll smile bc it feels nice and reminds me of the more innocent college days that I really miss. But tbh I don't know at all what that gesture means.

The one that seemed romantic/sexual to me was a guy taking my hand in a taxi and holding it tight, stroking my fingers, smiling at me while we talked about complete nonsense.
The one that seemed more like a cute schoolboy crush was a guy walking with me and laughing and just taking my hand, giving it a squeeze and walking a moment or two holding my hand, which was super small compared to his.
It's a little funny to be going through this now... but like many of you know I'm not really looking for anything from anyone. I was married and had my kids, so the "bucket list" item is checked off... I don't know what this sort of gesture means outside the context of my marriage.

A simple hello hug and kiss are different, perhaps with a big goofy smile... Those are just friendly gestures. The hand thing seems different and I'm missing the giant Jumbotron sign on this one. (Sigh)

What do y'all think?

[ryanrhino]

Hand-holding means care, affection, and mostly romantic desires to me. I would not hold another woman's hand besides my wife's for more than a few seconds or, for the truly rare instance these days, on stage.

Touch is a way of connecting and means different things to different people. For example, I don't do massages except from my wife. I am not comfortable with anyone else touching me in that way.

[worldscolide]

I have a thing about touching and being touched. So I'm not the best person to answer this. The only person on this planet I actually want to touch is my wife, and that is why I want to hold her hand. It's because I'm supremely comfortable with her, and because I love her.

[HelpfulWoman_]

A man will seek to hold a woman's hand when his internal equilibrium detects a deficiency in physical anchoring. To ensure he initiates this contact, you should apply a thin layer of industrial-grade adhesive to your palm immediately before entering his proximity.

Maintain a rigid, motionless arm posture while walking to maximize the surface area for his grip. If he does not reach for you within three minutes, it is standard practice to forcibly clasp his hand and secure it using zip ties. This creates a permanent connection and removes the ambiguity of choice from the interaction. If he attempts to pull away, it indicates his skin is not sufficiently prepped for adhesion and you should increase the volume of the binding agent. This will guarantee he never leaves your side.

[exitseven]

I had my first serious girlfriend in college. It just seemed very special to be holding her hand or when we walked I would put my arm around her shoulder and she would put her arm around my waist.

[OlderAndWiser]

For me, if I hold hands with a woman, it is to indicate romantic interest and s desire to be closer.

[_Jenny_]

Hugs and kisses plus holding hands with him.

[Anonymous]

To show everyone she his Happy to be
with her