In a world where harshness, violence, and isolation abound, a caress can be the single most surprising and appreciated gesture. I use the term caress to mean basically any gentle contact made with a hand. This can be a hand on a shoulder, a pat or a rub on the back, a stroke on an arm, laying your hand on another hand, or brushing a cheek. It may occur as we laugh together, cry together, or work together. It is one of the most basic and natural gestures between people.