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. While working with numerous clients, Vanessa began to notice a number of them state that around three years into a relationship, the desire for touch in a marriage drops off. With less affection and touch in a relationship on a day-to-day basis, it means that when there eventually is any physicality, it can lead to the bristle reaction. The bristle reaction doesnt necessarily mean that the person is no longer attracted to their partner, but it could indicate that there’s something worth examining, such as a lack of communication, feeling disconnected, or unresolved tension. 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.