About touching yourself and touching others.

Physical contact between two peoples is an excellent subconscious method to evoke a sense of trusting between individuals whom have not previously encountered each other, in the form of a hand shake or a hand on the shoulder. Other forms of physical contact, like hugging, can be used to show a greater sense of welcoming between peoples, i.e. friends and family. When more intimate measures of physical contact are used, such as hand holding, or placing your arm around another's waist, it shows to the public a more familial, perhaps even affectionate relationship between the persons involved.
However, in some countries, the levels of what is to be considered acceptable physical contact between two peoples may differ from what you are used to; for instance, the kissing of the cheek in some places may be seen as just a familial greeting to a trusted, or well likened friend or colleague. While it may seem strange to you, always accept the diversity of foreign locales, as the world within which they live can vastly differ from your own, even in this age of the internet and information overload.
But, be careful. Each person has a limit to what they are comfortable with when it comes to physical contact, or may see such acts as wrong due to events/occurrences in their upbringing. It is always a wise decision to learn about this person, and what they are and are not comfortable with, before attempting to make physical contact with them. What to you may be simply a humble gesture of greeting may set off a memory of a traumatic event in their past, hence why such an act could be harmful to their psyche.
Take caution in your approaches to others, and use respectful measures, before attempting to become too physical with others.

Very good post!