Holding hands with someone you love can alleviate physical pain as well as stress and fear.
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Sergeant Stubby was the only war dog to be promoted to sergeant through combat in WWI. He saved his regiment from surprise mustard gas attacks, found and comforted the wounded, and even once caught a German spy by the seat of his pants, holding him there until American Soldiers found him.
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There's a young hippo and a 130+ year old tortoise in a Kenyan wildlife preserve who are best friends and they even sleep and play together.
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Ten seconds of hugging a day increases levels of oxytocin, which can reduce blood pressure, thus cutting the risk of heart disease.
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In 2011, archaeologists discovered the skeletal remains of a Roman couple who have been holding hands for 1,500 years.
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Kissing releases masses of oxytocin, a "love potion" that helps couples bond and feel more attracted to each other.
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