gently rubbing wrists and rotator cuffs, tickling trigger fingers, fondling flexor tendons, kissing carpal tunnels, grabbing glutes,
…have all worked for me… my partner and I tend to lick each others’ wounds as we get older or just complain about our aching bodies. 🙂

tough topic to speak authentically about, so easy to be misinterpreted. But of course you’re right. Those daily hugs are essential for mental health. Really, I’d be sad without them.