Is it possible to grow out of being ticklish?

[FeatherQuill]

Like the title says, for lack of better words. If you haven't been tickled in several years (several being upwards of 7 or so) would you still be ticklish? Or would time have no effect on ticklishness at all?

 

[SadCuzNotTcklsh]

Yes, it's possible... 🙁

 

[Evil_Sketch]

I haven't been separated from being tickled for that long, it's a weekly occurance in my house with my lovely wife. She's not ticklish but of course that doesn't necessarily stop her from having fun, especially at my expense heh heh heh. If it is true, I feel sorry for those who have enjoyed tickling before and had their ticklishness deminish over time.

 

[RobAce]

I remember as a kid being ticklish. Now not so much. I don't know when I grew out of it, just one day a girlfriend tried with little effect. So it is possible I just do not know any specific reason or causes to lose it.

Rob

 

[FeatherQuill]

I'm pretty sure I'm still a little ticklish but it's just been so long you know? I prefer to be the 'ler so it doesn't bother me too much but it's still kinda saddening.

 

[RobAce]

I'm a ler also, so it does not affect me...but occasionally in the right mood, with the right woman I can be a little more sensitive than normal. Its a good feeling.

Rob

 

[rhiannon]

I think if you haven't been tickled in a while, you would be even more ticklish afterwards because you are not used to the feeling anymore. If you get tickled constantly, it's possible to get used to it. That's what happened to a friend of us.

The body shouldn't grow out of it when it's not experienced often since it is a defense reaction.

 

[Laffy Daffy]

I think it is.... but I know it works the other way too. As recently as 2-3 years ago, i was only ticklish in one spot (super ticklish there, but nowhere else) and over time, I have grown back into being highly ticklish in many spots. I'm not sure how aging effects any of it, but I know people who have grown out of it, and I'm living proof people can grow into it.

 

[happydarwin]

It is theoretically possible to become desensitized to any stimulus if it is encountered enough. However, I feel there may be a high degree of psychology involved in this equation as well. In other words, it is probably inadequately explained by neurobiology alone but depends on the environment, perhaps even more than it does on biology. It would not be outside the realm of possibility to consider that someone may be more sensitive in familiar surroundings with well known people as opposed to a strange or new situation with people who are unknown.

HappyD

 

[pool234]

It is theoretically possible to become desensitized to any stimulus if it is encountered enough. However, I feel there may be a high degree of psychology involved in this equation as well. In other words, it is probably inadequately explained by neurobiology alone but depends on the environment, perhaps even more than it does on biology. It would not be outside the realm of possibility to consider that someone may be more sensitive in familiar surroundings with well known people as opposed to a strange or new situation with people who are unknown.

HappyD

I've definitely seen it happen. There are a few friends I have who have, over time, grown accustomed and been able to withstand being tickled more and more. Mind you, in most cases they still are ticklish but are better at hiding it. I do know of one friend who I think in the rare instance now might still react but in general has absolutely no reaction when you try to get her anywhere but the feet.