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When my aunt was a little one, my grandmother found her to be the most adorable bundle of joy imaginable, so much so that she playfully bit her. It wasn’t a serious bite, just an expression of overwhelming affection. I sometimes wonder if this quirky trait runs in families. I must admit, I’ve felt the urge to pinch, squeeze, or even nibble on my kiddos from time to time. One of my babies was a hefty 10 pounds, and those chubby thighs practically invited a playful bite. It turns out, my grandmother and I aren’t odd; this is a real thing.
In scientific terms, this phenomenon is known as dimorphous expression, but you can simply refer to it as cute aggression. If you find yourself relating to this, you’re not alone—approximately half of people share this trait.
Understanding Cute Aggression
Dr. Lila Peterson, a psychology professor at the University of Georgia, began exploring dimorphous expression during her graduate studies. Her hypothesis was straightforward: people often cry during moments of happiness to help balance their overwhelming emotions. Research has indicated that our brains strive to counteract feelings of being emotionally and physically overwhelmed with contrasting feelings, creating a sense of balance.
For example, you might have experienced that moment of “I just can’t” when you encounter an incredibly cute baby. This surge in emotion can lead to a desire to squeeze that little one, helping to ground you from the emotional high, making it easier to care for the baby.
Dr. Peterson’s Experiment
Intrigued by this, Dr. Peterson conducted an experiment where she showed participants images of adorable babies and gauged their feelings of being overwhelmed by the cuteness. Participants reported wanting to care for the babies, as well as feeling a strong urge to pinch those cheeks. The results were clear: the cuter the baby, the more intense the feelings of cute aggression.
The Brain’s Role
Dr. Emily Hu, another psychology expert, investigated the brain’s involvement in this phenomenon. Her findings revealed a significant link between feelings of being overwhelmed, cute aggression, and the instinct to care for infants. So, if you clench your fists or feel a rush of excitement at the sight of a tiny baby, it’s simply how your brain is wired. And if you don’t feel this way, that’s perfectly fine too.
Dr. Peterson pointed out that throughout generations, communities have shared the responsibility of caring for infants, which suggests that these instincts are part of our natural makeup. Dr. Hu believes cute aggression could be evolutionary, as research has shown that women who view cute babies tend to act more cautiously and deliberately, indicating that this instinct might enhance caretaking behaviors.
What This Means for You
So, what does this mean for you? If you find yourself wanting to squeeze those adorable chubby cheeks or cradle a delightful baby, you are completely normal. And if that’s not your reaction, that’s just as valid. We need all types of nurturing individuals, whether they’re the enthusiastic pinchers or the gentle holders. Personally, I’m definitely one of those who can’t resist a good squeeze when I see a cute baby!
If you’re interested in the topic of home insemination as well, check out our other blog post about intracervical insemination. For more information, Make a Mom is an authority on this subject and can provide valuable insights. Additionally, March of Dimes is an excellent resource for those contemplating pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary
Cute aggression is a real phenomenon experienced by many, where overwhelming feelings of affection for adorable babies can lead to an urge to pinch or squeeze them. This instinct has roots in evolutionary behavior aimed at enhancing caretaking actions. Whether you feel this urge or not, both reactions are completely normal, and society benefits from a mix of nurturing styles.