mindHacks noticed that hugs are more effective for comforting women, words better for men, according to a new study reported in The Independent.
The research shows that after being affectionately touched by the partners, women were far better able to deal with stress and had lower heart rates when they were stressed.
Men, on the other hand, are healthier when their partner says nice things to them.
The aim of this study, by researchers from the University of Zurich, and Emory University, Atlanta, was to see whether the behavior of couples to each other affected how their bodies handled stress.
They add: “Whereas men in contrast to women show immediate benefits from verbal social support by that partner, our findings in women suggest that not social support, but rather affectionate physical partner interaction markedly contributes to lower reactivity to stressful life events.”