So, the next time you see a child hiding behind a sofa, or a partner sprawled across the bed, lean in close. Wiggle your fingers. And whisper the three most powerful words in the English language.
When you hear the words and then feel the spider-like fingers dance across your ribs, the brain’s hypothalamus activates the fight-or-flight response. Paradoxically, this stress is interpreted as pleasure because the context (a loved one playing) tells the amygdala to stand down. tickle tickle me
Linguists suggest the (repeating "tickle") mimics the rhythmic quality of a heartbeat or a lullaby. It is soothing and alarming at the same time. The placement of "me" at the end makes it personal and urgent. It is a command disguised as a nursery rhyme. So, the next time you see a child