If a man lightly scratches the palm of a woman’s hand, the gesture often holds deeper significance. Experts explain this can be a way of communicating attraction, comfort, or playful teasing.
Traci Brown, a body language specialist, suggests this touch aims to establish a personal connection without overt words, often signaling warmth and romantic interest.
Cultural influences shape the gesture’s meaning. In some cultures, such a touch symbolizes affection or courtship, while in everyday settings it might express camaraderie or nervous energy.
Licensed counselor Wale Okerayi advises looking at the whole interaction to understand intent—coupling the palm scratch with positive smiles, eye contact, or leaning in indicates flirtation.
Women noticing this gesture should consider context before reading too deeply but remain open to the body’s subtle flirt signals.
