what is the bristle reaction

The bristle reaction is a term coined by sex therapist Vanessa Marin to describe the way a person feels when their partner shows affection because they know it can mean just one thing, which makes them feel on edge. Its an involuntary response that can be very confusing and even upsetting to both partners. The bristle reaction is the way a person feels when their partner shows affection because they know it can mean just one thing, which makes them feel on edge. Its not just a romantic kiss—they want more. Its a visceral response when someone gets too close and in your personal space. The reaction can be caused by a variety of factors, including a decrease in day-to-day physical touch in a relationship, feeling uncomfortable with being touched in a specific way, or being touched in an unwelcome way or in a place you dont want to be touched. The bristle reaction is not necessarily a sign that the relationship is doomed, and it can be rewired with time. To tackle the bristle reaction, its important to incorporate more touch into the relationship and break the belief that any sort of touch leads to sex.